Replacing three All-Big 12 players from last season's Final Four team, Oklahoma has a handful of young talent that has stepped up to replace Buddy Hield and Co.
The Sooners (6-3) host Memphis on Saturday, with each team coming off a three-point loss. Tubby Smith has replaced Josh Pastner at Memphis. Smith inherited an unproven team with only one returning player who averaged double figures in scoring.
Saturday's showdown will be a test to see how these programs are progressing while rebuilding. Here is how you can watch the game, along with key matchups and our prediction. This game is one of three airing on CBS, with the other two -- Ohio State-UCLA and Kentucky-North Carolina -- comprising the CBS Sports Classic.
Viewing information
Date: Saturday, Dec. 12
Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
Location: Lloyd Noble Center, Norman, Okla.
TV: CBS
Live streaming on desktop: Desktop link
Live stream on mobile app: CBS Sports App
Scouting report
Memphis' Dedric Lawson, last season's AAC Rookie of the Year, is the Tigers' unquestioned leader. He's averaging 20.4 points and at 6-foot-9 can play inside and out with range beyond the arc. His brother, K.J. Lawson, is second on the team in scoring.
Oklahoma's Jordan Woodard has soaked up a majority of the scoring after Hield's departure, averaging 17.1 points. But the Sooners are scoring more by committee approach this season. Sophomore Christian James is a rising star. Down low, Khadeem Lattin anchors the Sooners with experience and reliable scoring. He's also an excellent flopper.
Matchup to watch
The battle down low should be fun to watch in this one. Lattin is a 32nd in blocks (2.33), and Dedric Lawson is 21st nationally (2.70). The Sooners made a living last season with a prolific run-and-gun offense, but their bread and butter has been grinding out wins with their defense, limiting opponents to 70 points a game.
