Kentucky basketball heads to Norman tomorrow night for a pivotal SEC clash against the Oklahoma Sooners at 9:00 PM EST, airing on the SEC Network. Make no mistake this is a game that could define the Wildcats’ postseason destiny. Sitting at 18-9 (7-7 SEC) after a 96-83 loss to No. 4 Alabama, No. 17 Kentucky faces a desperate Oklahoma squad (17-10, 4-10 SEC) clinging to NCAA Tournament hopes following a 93-87 upset over Mississippi State.
With injuries most likely sidelining Jaxson Robinson, Lamont Butler, and definitely Kerr Kriisa, Big Blue Nation is on edge—WBN breaks down how to catch every moment, what to watch for, and the keys to a Wildcat win that could dodge a devastating three-game skid.
How to Watch and Listen
Television & Streaming: Tune into SEC Network for live coverage.
Cable/Satellite: Available on most providers—check Spectrum, DirecTV (Channel 611), or your local listings.
Streaming Options:
Hulu + Live TV: $76.99/month, includes SEC Network—stream on any device
YouTube TV: $72.99/month, SEC Network in the base plan—free trial for newbies
Sling TV: Orange plan ($40/month) + Sports Extra ($11/month) gets SEC Network—affordable choice
FuboTV: $79.99/month, sports-centric with SEC Network—7-day free trial
ESPN App: Free with a cable login or SEC Network sub via above services—watch SEC Network+.
Radio: The UK Sports Network brings Tom Leach and Mike Pratt’s call to BBN:
Online: Stream free at wsgs.com or iHeartRadio’s WLAP station
FM Stations:
Lexington (98.1 FM / 630 WLAP)
Louisville (840 AM WHAS)
London (103.9 FM WWEL)
Madisonville (93.9 FM WKTG)
Hazard/Pikeville (101.1 WSGS)
What to Watch For
Injury Fallout: Kentucky’s backcourt is battered—Jaxson Robinson (13.3 PPG), Lamont Butler (12.5 PPG, 4.6 APG) are likely out, and Kerr Kriisa (4.4 PPG, 3.8 APG) is out. Otega Oweh (15.7 PPG) and Koby Brea (10.9 PPG) must shoulder the load—can they stretch Oklahoma’s top-20 three-point defense (29.3% allowed)? The Cats will need to be able to attack from the 3-point line but that is a huge strength fro the Sooners.
Oklahoma’s Desperation: The Sooners’ 4-10 SEC mark belies their 13-0 non-conference start, proving the point Jeremiah Fears (15.9 PPG, 4.0 APG) erupted for 27 points vs. Mississippi State. A win over No. 17 Kentucky could lock their NCAA bid—watch their havoc defense (8.1 steals/game against a depleted and turnover prone backcourt.
Rebounding Battle: Kentucky’s 39.1 rebounds/game (No. 20) dwarf Oklahoma’s SEC-worst 32.4 (No. 293)—Amari Williams (8.8 RPG) could feast against Oklahoma’s 22.0 defensive rebounds (No. 232). A 33%+ offensive rebound rate is key—Oklahoma’s been outrebounded 44-19 by Texas A&M and others by similar margins. The Cats have to hit the boards hard.
Three-Point Duel: Kentucky’s 10.0 threes/game (No. 18) face Oklahoma’s 29.3% opponent three-point defense (No. 8)—Pope’s 30-three vision (27.8 attempts) meets a Sooner wall. Oklahoma’s 8.5 threes (No. 90) test Kentucky’s 29.3% allowance (No. 8)—who bends first?
Fears vs. Oweh Showdown: Oklahoma’s freshman star Fears (1.6 steals/game) meets former Oklahoma player and Kentucky’s leading scorer Oweh (1.5 steals). Both spark turnovers (Oklahoma 13.0 forced, Kentucky 10.7 committed). and score the ball Oweh’s 15.7 PPG must outshine Fears’ chaos—turnovers could decide it.
Keys to a Wildcat Win
Crash the Glass: Kentucky’s +3.5 rebound margin (39.1 vs. 35.6 allowed) must balloon—aim for 33%+ offensive rebounds (28.0% season) and 77%+ defensive (74.5%). Oklahoma’s 26.0% offensive rebound rate (No. 230) is ripe for exploitation—Williams and Andrew Carr (4.7 RPG) need double-doubles.
Protect the Ball: Kentucky’s 10.7 turnovers/game (No. 71) spike without Butler and Kriisa—keeping it under 10 against Oklahoma’s 8.1 steals (No. 44 is key). Oweh and Travis Perry (0.5 APG) must steady a team that can get rattled on the road—Oklahoma’s 13.0 forced turnovers (No. 80) loom.
Hit Free Throws: Kentucky’s 73.7% free-throw rate (No. 125) needs a 75%+ night—15.4 FTM/game (No. 82) could offset Oklahoma’s 17.3 (No. 14). Alabama’s edge hurt—don’t let Oklahoma’s 78.9% shooting (No. 13) dictate a close finish.
Contain Fears, Unleash Oweh: Limit Fears to 15 points or fewer—Kentucky’s 4.3 blocks/game (No. 64) can disrupt his 46.6% shooting. Oweh’s 48.4% field goal rate (No. 18) must exploit Oklahoma’s 54.4% two-point defense (No. 304)—20+ points could seal it.
Stretch the Floor: Push for 28+ three-point attempts (27.8 season)—Brea needs 8+ tries his self, and to do that he needs to not be on the ball as much. Oklahoma’s 29.3% defense bends inside (54.4% two-point)—Carr slipping to the corner (2.1 APG) could open lanes for dunks and easier shots.
Why This Game Matters
Kentucky’s NCAA Tournament seeding hangs in the balance, a win and you solidify yourself in the top 5 line barring a shocking collapse. Lose and then face No. 1 Auburn Saturday at Rupp becomes a game you need to win to void dropping out of the top 5 seeds. Lose every game? And then the NIT becomes a possibility.
Oklahoma’s bubble desperation (55% tourney chance, ESPN) fuels their fire—Kentucky’s 85.7 PPG offense (No. 3) must outpace the Sooners’ 77.7 (No. 61), especially with a 56.4% effective FG% (No. 12) against Oklahoma’s 50.4% allowed (No. 151).
Prediction and X-Factor
Kentucky’s depth—six players over 9 PPG—faces Oklahoma’s top-heavy trio (Moore 17.0, Fears 15.9, Miles 10.1)—if Oweh and Williams dominate inside while Brea heats up from deep, the Wildcats escape 82-79.
The X-factor? Rebounding—Kentucky’s 9.0 offensive rebounds (No. 162) vs. Oklahoma’s 9.6 allowed (No. 299) could yield 15+ second-chance points, flipping a tight game.
stats provided by teamrankings.