Washington State - Oral Roberts Preview

Washington State (3) Vs. Oral Roberts (14)
Thursday, 3/15 @ 2:40
Betting Line From Bookmaker: Washington St -6.5

The #12 surprise contenders, the Washington State Cougars (25- 7, 13- 5 Pac-10), finished two games behind UCLA, which topped the Pac-10’s regular season standings. The Oral Roberts Golden Eagles (23- 10, 12- 2 Mid-Con) were tops in their conference for the regular season and also took the Mid-Con tournament.

The Washington State guards, juniors Derrick Low (13.6 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 2.1 APG) and Kyle Weaver (11.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 4.5 APG), are difference makers. Weaver is the ultimate go-to guy, while Low can hit threes at the rate of 40%. Weaver has excellent hands and is a fine defender. Sophomore forward Daven Harmeling (9.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG) plays a fine inside game but can also hit from the outside (.42%). Senior forward Ivory Clark (8.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG) hits 50% from the field.

If ORU’s two top scorers—senior forward Caleb Green (20.8 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2.5 APG) and senior guard Ken Tutt (16.1 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 2.5 APG)—are playing their game then this team has the potential to pull an upset. Sophomore guard-forward Marchello Vealy (7.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG) can pound the boards, as can junior center Shawn King (7.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG).

If the Golden Eagles can hit from the outside, they have a chance to beat the nationally ranked Cougars. Washington State was a surprise contender this year and is an unknown entity, making them very dangerous in the March dance.

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