UNM-Oklahoma Preview, Wednesday at the Pit, 7 PM

Photo by XL Photography

Last season, UNM went to Oklahoma and got destroyed, 105-63, and arguably the game was not that close. Typically, that would put a revenge factor on Wednesday’s rematch in the Pit, except hardly anyone who played a significant role in that game will be playing in this one. Whether it is graduation, transfer, or injury, these two teams are both completely overhauled.
For one of the few times this season, the Lobos will be the “more experienced” team. While UNM starts two freshmen—Jayla and Ahlise–Oklahoma will likely start three freshmen (all highly regarded recruits) and two sophomores. The Oklahoma roster is only 12 deep, and 10 are FR (7) or Sophs (3). Four of the seven players who average 10+ min a game are freshmen.
The Sooner roster included several players over 6’, but only one, senior Ijeoma Odimgbe (#24) has played much this season. She does not score much, but rebounds at a rate of 13+ per 30 minutes. UNM will have a size advantage inside, but Oklahoma has rebounded well with a pair of six-foot players, Madi Williams (11.2 per game) and Mandy
Simpson (7.9 per game). Both teams have significantly out rebounded their opponents so far this season.
5’7” freshman Taylor Robertson (#30) leads Oklahoma in minutes, scoring (17.4 ppg) and is the dominant three point shooter on the team—she has taken almost half the team’s 3s, and is making 40% of them (the rest of the team is shooting only 24%).
The other leading scorer is 5’7” sophomore Shaina Pellington (#14) who was last seasons Big 12 freshman of the year. She is shooting 43% from the field, but poorly from long distance. As a team, the Sooners are shooting 47% from the field.
The likely Lobo starting lineup will be the same as against Houston.