No. 11 Tennessee women vs. Oklahoma State in Big 12/SEC Challenge at Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater, Oklahoma
Time: 4 p.m.
TV/Radio: Fox Sports One/102.3 FM
Likely lineups (with heights and scoring averages in parentheses)
TENNESSEE (5-0)
Projected starters: G Rennia Davis (6-2, 13.8); F Cheridene Green (6-3, 9.0); G Meme Jackson (5-11, 13.0); C Kasiyahna Kushkituah (6-4, 10.2); G Evina Westbrook (6-0, 12.2).
Key reserves: G Rae Burrell (6-1, 8.6); G Zaay Green (6-0, 8.0).
OKLAHOMA STATE (6-0)
Projected starters: C Mariam Gnanou (6-5, 5.2); F Vivian Gray (6-1, 16.3); G Jaden Hobbs (5-8, 8.0); F LaTashia Jones (6-2, 7.3); G Braxtin Miller (5-10, 18.2).
Key reserves: G Ja’Mee Asberry (5-5, 4.2); C Kassidy De Lapp (6-3, 4.8).
Lady Vols report: They’ve been solid in their 5-0 start, earning wins over Clemson and the University of Alabama at Birmingham during Thanksgiving week at the Junkanoo Jam in the Bahamas. And they’ve done so largely with their ability to force turnovers and dominate the boards to the tune of a nearly 16-rebound margin per game, but they’ve tended to turn the ball over as well, averaging more than 17 per contest.
Cowgirls report: Freshmen and sophomores are abundant in the Cowgirls’ primary rotation, with sophomores Gray and Miller leading the charge. Today will be a big jump up in terms of competition, but they are 111-5 at home against nonconference foes since the 2005-06 season. Last season they had a home win over seventh-ranked UCLA.
Key matchup: Young teams typically play much better at home, which will be an advantage the Cowgirls will take into today’s game. The Lady Vols have struggled with turnovers, and their opponent today thrives on creating them. To take care of the ball would probably mean a quality road victory for the Lady Vols, but if they don’t, they could allow Oklahoma State to hang around and make the game interesting late.