As thrilling as it is for Kermit Davis to have propelled Ole Miss to the NCAA tournament his first year in Oxford, he won’t be entering Friday’s NCAA Tournament game vs. Oklahoma with a ton of momentum, having lost five of the last seven. That hasn’t prevented them from opening as two-point favorites, but in the eyes of at least some, the Sooners’ defense gives OU the slight edge in a dicey eight vs. nine seed skirmish.
According to KenPom, Oklahoma ranks 23rd nationally in opponent-adjusted defensive efficiency, with the seventh toughest schedule in terms of opposing offenses faced.