Previewing the top 10 college basketball games this weekend

• About the Sooners (17-2, 6-2): Buddy Hield is the front-runner for national player of the year. But he’s far from alone, as Oklahoma’s supporting class is top-notch. Jordan Woodard shoots 54% from three, while Isaiah Cousins dishes out 4.5 assists per game running the point. Those three form the country’s most potent backcourt, helping the Sooners lead the country in three-point shooting percentage at 46.7%. Ryan Spangler (10.7 ppg, 9.7 rpg) nearly averages a double-double and does the little things, while sophomore center Khadeem Lattin continues to blossom. 
• About the Tigers (13-7, 6-2): After a shaky non-conference slate, LSU seems to be figuring it out and establishing an identity outside of Ben Simmons, another national player of the year candidate who’s highly forecasted to go No. 1 in this June’s NBA draft. The Tigers have only lost on the road in SEC action, falling at Florida and Texas A&M. Defense is definitely not a strength for Johnny Jones’ squad; LSU ranks 263rd nationally in scoring defense, allowing 75.6 points a game. Whether it’s a lack of discipline or the right mix of players, the Tigers will need to pick it up on that end. Because even a great offense or 50 points from Simmons can’t quell a horrid defense.   
• Star Watch: Oklahoma guard Hield (25.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg) and guard Woodard (14.9 ppg). LSU forward Simmons (19.8 ppg, 12.7 rpg, 4.9 apg) and guard Keith Hornsby (13.2 ppg).  
• The pick: Oklahoma. The two best players in the country, Hield and Simmons, squaring off against each other. Does it get any better than that? They’re two strikingly different talents, but both have the ability to put the team on their back.
• About the Wildcats (16-4, 6-2): Outside of a résumé-staining loss to Auburn a couple weeks back, Kentucky’s profile is in good shape. And three consecutive victories in SEC play have shown the Wildcats’ resurgence. John Calipari always emphasizes getting up strong after having fallen. And his team has done that. But what’s UK’s ceiling? It’s still undetermined. Point guard Tyler Ulis is the key to the team’s identity because he makes everyone better. And when veteran Alex Poythress plays well, UK usually has an edge. 
• About the Jayhawks (16-4, 5-3): In quest of its 11th consecutive Big 12 championship, Kansas is well positioned. The Jayhawks are close to the top of the pack in a cutthroat race in the country’s toughest conference. But a loss to bottom-feeder Oklahoma State hurt their chances. In that game, KU shot 27% from three-point range. That’s usually where Bill Self’s group excels, ranking fifth nationally in three-point percentage (43%). Their latest setback came on the road at Iowa State. Point guard Frank Mason III (13.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 4.8 apg) does all the intangibles it takes to win games. 
• Star Watch: Kentucky guard Jamal Murray (17.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg) and guard Ulis (15.5 ppg, 6.1 apg). Kansas forward Perry Ellis (16.7 ppg, 6.6 rpg) and guard Wayne Selden Jr. (14.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg). 
• The pick: Kansas. The Jayhawks are a veteran team, and therefore haven’t had to rely on their young core in the way Kentucky has. That’s a double-edged sword, though. KU’s Cheick Diallo and Carlton Bragg are underachieving, but their contributions will be important for Kansas in the long run. Kansas is a better team than Kentucky now, especially at home. But that might not be the case in March.