Wichita State’s men’s basketball team will kick off their season on the road against No. 23 ranked Oklahoma at the Lloyd Noble Center. This will be the 22nd meeting between the Shockers and the Sooners, with the Shockers winning 12 of the previous matchups. The game will be televised on ESPN+ and will be called by Chad McKee and Dan Hughes. Radio coverage will be provided by KFH 97.5 FM/1240 AM with Steve Strain.
This game marks the official beginning of the Terry Nooner era at Wichita State. Nooner, who is in his first year as head coach, has retained nine out of 13 potential returners from the previous season. The lone returning starter is DJ, who will be expected to play a key role in the team’s success this year. Nooner will be looking to make a strong first impression and establish his coaching style with a win against a ranked opponent.
Wichita State has not opened their season on the road since the 2016-2017 season when they played against Creighton in Omaha, Nebraska. This year, they will start their season away from home once again, facing a tough challenge against Oklahoma. The team will need to adapt quickly to the new environment and find their rhythm early to have a chance against the ranked opponent.
Oklahoma, on the other hand, is coming off a successful season where they made it to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. They will be looking to build on that success and start their season strong with a win against Wichita State. Led by head coach Lon Kruger, the Sooners have a strong roster that includes several returning starters and talented newcomers. They will pose a significant challenge for the Shockers and will be favorites to win the game.
In order to come out on top, Wichita State will need to execute their game plan effectively and play solid defense. They will also need to rely on their depth and contributions from players off the bench to play a role in the game. Nooner will need to make smart adjustments throughout the game and keep the team focused and motivated. The Shockers will also need to take care of the ball and limit turnovers against a talented Oklahoma defense.
Overall, this matchup between Wichita State and Oklahoma promises to be an exciting game to kick off the college basketball season. Both teams have a lot to prove and will be looking to establish themselves early on. For Wichita State, it is an opportunity to make a statement under their new head coach and show that they are a team to be reckoned with. For Oklahoma, it is a chance to build on last year’s success and set the tone for the upcoming season. Fans can expect a competitive and intense game as both teams battle it out on the court.
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