Cowboys vs Wildcats: Thanksgiving Night Hoops Showdown

Cowboys vs Wildcats: Thanksgiving Night Hoops Showdown

As families gather for Thanksgiving feasts, college basketball fans are in for a treat when the undefeated Oklahoma State Cowboys (6-0) clash with the Northwestern Wildcats (5-1) in a neutral-site battle at Chicago's iconic United Center.

This Thanksgiving night matchup, airing on the Big Ten Network, marks the first-ever meeting between these programs and kicks off a two-year series that continues next season in Oklahoma City.

Game Details

Tip-off is set for approximately 9:30 PM CT on Thursday, November 27, following the Duke-Arkansas game. The contest will be televised nationally on the Big Ten Network with Lisa Byington and Joey Lane on the call. The United Center, home to the NBA's Bulls and NHL's Blackhawks, provides a fitting stage for this high-profile non-conference showdown.

Oklahoma State's High-Flying Offense

Under second-year coach Steve Lutz, the Cowboys are experiencing a basketball renaissance. OSU boasts the nation's third-fastest tempo (KenPom), averaging an eye-popping 93.2 points per game on 49.7% shooting.

Junior guard Jaylen Curry has been sensational, becoming the first player in school history to record a 30-point, 10-assist game with his career-high performance against Nicholls. Alongside Vyctorius Miller (17.5 PPG) and transfer Kanye Clary, the Cowboys feature five double-digit scorers.

Lutz's signature style features incredible depth - his bench plays 46.4% of minutes (5th nationally) and scores 45.2% of points. OSU has scored at least 85 points in all six games, tying a school record set by Marcus Smart's 2013-14 squad.

Northwestern's Methodical Approach

The Wildcats present a stark contrast in style under coach Chris Collins. Northwestern plays at the slowest tempo in the country, with defensive possessions lasting an average of 19.8 seconds. Despite the deliberate pace, the Wildcats are efficient offensively, shooting 52% from the field and a stellar 42% from three-point range. [IMAGE_3] Senior forward Nick Martinelli leads the charge with 19.3 points per game, while big man Arrinten Page (15.7 PPG, 7 RPG) and point guard Jayden Reid (13.5 PPG, 6.2 APG) form a dangerous trio.

Northwestern has thrived in close games, with three of their last four contests decided by five points or less, including dramatic wins over DePaul and South Carolina.

Key Matchups to Watch

This intriguing clash pits speed against precision. The primary questions: Can Oklahoma State's relentless up-tempo style overwhelm Northwestern's deliberate defense? Conversely, can the Wildcats' methodical offense exploit the Cowboys' defense, which has allowed opponents to shoot just 38.8%?

The battle in the paint could be decisive. With OSU potentially missing forward Robert Jennings II (hip injury), Northwestern's experienced frontcourt of Martinelli and Page could have an edge. Meanwhile, OSU's guard trio of Curry, Miller, and Clary will need to solve Northwestern's 32nd-ranked defense.

Prediction

Northwestern enters as a 2.5-point favorite, and their disciplined style and experience give them the edge in this tempo clash. [QUOTE]"I'd rather side with the more dependable, less reckless team," notes Action Network's Christian Odjakjian. "I expect Northwestern to find success playing through its two stud bigs and punishing the Cowboys by drilling open 3s when double-teams are brought down."[/QUOTE]

Expect a tight, physical contest that comes down to the wire. While OSU's high-octane offense is electric, Northwestern's ability to control tempo and minimize mistakes should ultimately carry them to a narrow victory in this Thanksgiving night classic.