MBB | Opponent Preview: Baylor Bears 2.0

Who: Oklahoma Sooners (17-6, 6-4 Big 12) at Baylor Bears (14-8, 2-4 Big 12)

When: 6 p.m. - Saturday, February 8th

Where: Lloyd Noble Center

TV: ESPN2

Losing games doesn't happen a lot this season for the #21 ranked Sooners. However, they've dropped back-to-back games this season. They fell at #16 Iowa St. Cyclones. Then after a wild journey to Morgantown, they fell in overtime 91-86 to West Virginia.

So, It's safe to say this last week hasn't been the best for the Sooners.

They now welcome the Baylor Bears into Norman, who aren't the same Baylor team that Oklahoma played four weeks ago. they're struggling and could honestly end up missing the NCAA Tournament at this moment.

Baylor (14-8, 2-7 Big 12) has just two Big 12 wins this season. However, one win was over then #8 Oklahoma St. Cowboys 76-70. Not exactly a great way to be in the first half of the season.

ESPN's Joe Lunardi has Baylor as the last four out in his latest bracket.

Check out Our Daily Bears for Baylor's view of things.

Since the last time these two teams played, Baylor has scored 70 points just twice, one in a loss and one in a win. Four of the six Baylor losses have come by double digits, not really looking good for the Bears. That includes their last bout against the Kansas Jayhawks. Baylor fell 69-52 as the Bears shot just 29 percent in the loss.

Oklahoma needs to get efficient shots if they're going to beat Baylor tonight. The Bears in their win over Oklahoma State has shown they can still compete. However, Oklahoma used quality second half adjustments to beat the 2-3 zone in their win in January over Baylor.

Ryan Spangler will be key for the Sooners. He has been on a bit of a tear lately rebounding. Oklahoma needs Spangler to body down low and force the Bears to use their mid-range and perimeter game. It'll force more rebounds as Baylor isn't the greatest jump shooting team in the Big 12.

Also, force turnovers. Baylor is one of the worst in the nation in turning the ball over. If you can force the Baylor into turnovers, it could lead for the Sooners into transition points, easy points. It's a big key for the Sooners to gain a victory tonight.

According to RJ Young, Jordan Woodard has a chance to break the school's record for most free throws made by a freshman if he can get to the line nine more times. Only two players have attempted more free throws this season from the line, Marcus Smart of Oklahoma State and Juwan Staten of West Virginia. Team freshman record for attempted free throws is 211 by the late great Wayman Tisdale.

Since 1917, the Oklahoma Sooners have played the Bears 50 times. Oklahoma holds the overwhelming 40-10 series lead. Oklahoma was fortunate enough to steal both games against Baylor last season and take the game in Waco earlier this season. The Sooners are 19-4 all-time versus Baylor in Norman. They are 8-2 in their last 10 games versus Baylor at Lloyd Noble.

Still a bunch of tickets for this one. You can buy online over at SoonersSports.com or at the box office at the arena.