Monday NCAA: Kansas (22-5) at Oklahoma (25-2)
Monday night’s game for first place in the Big 12 between Kansas and Oklahoma might be missing its biggest star.
Sooners All-American Blake Griffin is expected to be a game-time decision after he suffered a concussion in Saturday’s loss to Texas that kept Oklahoma from moving to No. 1 in the nation for the first time in 18 years.
Griffin didn’t practice with the Sooners Sunday night, one day after playing just 11 minutes – none in the second half – and was limited to just two points and three rebounds against the Longhorns. The Sooners have opened as 3.5-point favorites on WagerWeb.com – but I wouldn’t bet on this game until you hear a definitive word on Griffin’s status.
Griffin’s parents said their son made progress on the trip home from Austin and an MRI taken returned clear.
Still, OU coach Jeff Capel said team doctors would take all the time available in monitoring his star player’s health before making a decision concerning Monday night.
“The most important thing is him and his future,” Capel said. “You don’t want to do anything to risk further damage. So that’s the most important thing. You’re going to proceed with caution with this and make sure he’s OK. And we’ll move on whichever way we have to – with him or without him.”
Griffin averages 22.2 points and a nation’s-best 13.8 rebounds a game. His 22 double-doubles lead the nation. A year ago, Griffin hurt his knee in the first four minutes of the Jayhawks’ 85-55 victory over the Sooners on Jan. 14, 2008, in Allen Fieldhouse. That was the teams’ last meeting.
“Even though there’s very little preparation time, we hope he will play,” KU coach Bill Self said.
If Griffin doesn’t play, that could mean a big game for KU center Cole Aldrich. He is averaging 15.0 points and 10.3 rebounds, joining Griffin as the only players in the Big 12 to average a double-double. Aldrich has 61 points in his last three games.
Oklahoma had its 13-game winning snapped with that 73-68 loss at rival Texas, but the Sooners are unbeaten at home. KU has won 11 of 12 games and has won four of its past six games in Norman.
WagerWeb.com Game Trends
* Jayhawks are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
* Jayhawks are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 Monday games.
* Jayhawks are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 road games.
* Jayhawks are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
* Jayhawks are 7-1-1 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS win.
* Jayhawks are 14-3-1 ATS in their last 18 vs. Big 12.
* Jayhawks are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games as a road underdog.
* Jayhawks are 21-6-1 ATS in their last 28 games overall.
* Jayhawks are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games as a road underdog of 0.5-6.5.
* Jayhawks are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games as an underdog.
* Jayhawks are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games as an underdog of 0.5-6.5.
* Jayhawks are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
* Jayhawks are 21-8-1 ATS in their last 30 games following a S.U. win.
* Jayhawks are 35-16-1 ATS in their last 52 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
* Sooners are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
* Sooners are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite of 0.5-6.5.
* Sooners are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
* Sooners are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite of 0.5-6.5.
* Sooners are 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 games as a favorite.
NCAA Basketball Betting at WagerWeb.com
