Texas Basketball vs. OK State: 3 bold predictions for Stillwater clash

Bryce Thompson scores a season-high 25 points

The former Kansas transfer and junior shooting guard Bryce Thompson is one of the hottest scorers in the Big 12 in the last couple of weeks. He’s averaging around 17.5 points per game while shooting 44 percent from the field and nearly 60 percent from beyond the arc in the last four games.

Thompson has also scored in the double figures in four games in a row. The recent offensive outbursts we’ve seen from Thompson played a big role in Oklahoma State getting big wins over West Virginia and Wichita State in the last couple of weeks.

And Thompson’s 23 points against his former team almost lifted Oklahoma State past Kansas on the road at Allen Fieldhouse on Dec. 31.

If Thompson is able to stay hot on Jan. 7 against the Longhorns, the sky could be the limit for the talented scorer. Considering how bad Texas’ defense was at different points in the last few weeks (Longhorns are allowing nearly 79 points per game in the last six outings), Thompson will have his opportunity to shine.

It will be up to the likes of senior shooting guard/wing Sir’Jabari Rice and Allen to oftentimes handle the matchup against Thompson since the former Jayhawk plays more than 90 percent of his minutes on the wing. Rice and Allen must be able to close out strong while staying disciplined since Thompson is a real threat to drive the baseline and get to the rim.

Moreover, Thompson is the type of scorer that can heat up at any point and can take advantage of the sleepy off-ball defense. If Texas isn’t more timely and active with its off-ball/help defense against Oklahoma State, the guard duo of Thompson and senior Avery Anderson could feast this weekend.

I will say, if Rice, Allen, and the Longhorns can hold Thompson and Anderson at bay, I find it really difficult to see Oklahoma State winning this game. It’s worth noting that when Thompson scores in the double figures this season, Oklahoma State is 7-2. When he is held under 10 points, Oklahoma State is just 2-3.

Thompson is so integral to what Oklahoma State does, as he leads the team among the regulars in the rotation with a usage rate north of 26.0 percent. Shutting him down is a major key to success in this weekend’s contest in Stillwater.