Michigan Wolverines vs Oklahoma Sooners Picks and Predictions December 18th 2024

Oklahoma Seeks Redemption at the Jumpman Invitational

For the second straight season, No. 14 Oklahoma enters the Jumpman Invitational with a flawless 10-0 record, brimming with optimism and the memory of last year’s stumble in the same event. Facing No. 24 Michigan on Wednesday in Charlotte, N.C., the Sooners aim to sustain their momentum and solidify their spot among the nation’s elite.

Last year’s slip at this stage contributed to a slide that ultimately left Oklahoma out of the NCAA Tournament. But this season feels different, and a lot of the credit goes to standout freshman Jeremiah Fears.

Jeremiah Fears Leading the Way for Oklahoma

Fears has been a revelation for the Sooners, averaging 16.7 points, 4.7 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.4 steals per game. His ability to dictate the tempo and make key plays has been instrumental in Oklahoma’s success.

“He has that gear to him,” Oklahoma coach Porter Moser said. “It’s very hard to switch with Fears because he’s got that gear.”

Fears’ growth is evident not only in his scoring but also in his decision-making. After averaging 4.4 turnovers in the first five games, he has brought that number down to 3.2 over the last five.

In Oklahoma’s lone game against a ranked opponent so far, Fears exploded for a season-high 26 points in an 82-77 win over then-No. 24 Arizona on Nov. 28. The Sooners will count on another standout performance from him as they face Michigan.

Michigan Aims to Bounce Back from Loss

While Michigan (8-2) also brings a strong start to the Jumpman Invitational, its journey has been less consistent. The Wolverines dropped a close 89-87 game to Arkansas in their last outing on Dec. 10, blowing a 15-point lead in the process.

Coach Dusty May acknowledged the challenges but remains optimistic.

“It’s not ideal, but we are learning to play in those high-pressure, one-possession games,” May said. “We’re going to be in them whether we want to be in them or not. It’s part of this group learning to win together.”

Clash of Styles: Oklahoma’s Aggression vs. Michigan’s Balance

Oklahoma’s Strengths

• The Sooners’ defense is one of the most aggressive in the nation, averaging 10.2 steals per game, with Fears leading the charge.
• Oklahoma’s leading scorer, Jalon Moore, averages 17.5 points per game, complementing Fears’ all-around contributions.
• The Sooners have dominated most opponents, winning by an average margin of over 15 points per game.

Michigan’s Balanced Attack

• Michigan counters with a balanced offense featuring four players averaging in double figures: Vladislav Goldin (12.5 ppg), Danny Wolf (12.3), Roddy Gayle Jr. (12.3), and Tre Donaldson (11.8).
• However, turnovers have been a major issue for the Wolverines, as they rank near the bottom of Division I with 15.3 per game.

“Oklahoma’s defense is tough,” May said. “They have a very good system on both sides of the ball. They play aggressive and with physicality.”

Who will cut down the nets? Find out in College Basketball Championship Odds!

What’s at Stake?

This high-profile clash represents more than just a non-conference test for both teams. For Oklahoma, a win could cement its place as a legitimate contender this season, while Michigan seeks to rebound and prove its ability to compete under pressure.

The stakes are heightened by the programs’ history; this will be just the third meeting between the two, with the series tied 1-1. Their most recent encounter was a 73-63 Oklahoma victory in the second round of the 2009 NCAA Tournament.

Prediction: Oklahoma’s relentless defense and Jeremiah Fears’ playmaking ability could prove too much for Michigan’s turnover-prone offense. Expect a tight game, but the Sooners should prevail.

Final Score: Oklahoma 78, Michigan 72.