Report: Oklahoma expected to be without Rivaldo Soares, John Hugley vs. Kansas

Porter Moser and the Oklahoma Sooners are preparing for a massive clash with the Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday.

Unfortunately, they’ll reportedly be missing two key pieces for the showdown. According to CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, Sooners’ stars Rivaldo Soares and John Hugley will miss the Big 12 conference clash between the two teams.

“Source: Oklahoma’s Rivaldo Soares (ankle) is doubtful for today’s game against Kansas,” Rothstein posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Averaged 13 PPG in last seven games. John Hugley (knee) is OUT. Averages 8.4 PPG and 3.8 RPG.”

It’s a double whammy for Oklahoma, as Kansas is receiving some help on the injury front for their lineup, as Kevin McCullar is looking to return. After missing consecutive games, McCullar is reportedly ready to rock for the Jayhawks’ clash with the Sooners on Saturday, a showdown in which the stakes are high for the Big 12 superpower. 

“Kansas star Kevin McCullar Jr. is expected to return and play today in Norman against Oklahoma, source told @TheFieldOf68,” college basketball analyst Jeff Goodman reported. “Huge news for the Jayhawks – who got pummeled in Lubbock last game without McCullar.”

Moreover, McCullar has dealt with injury issues throughout the season, but that’s fantastic news that he’s seemingly ready to suit up for Saturday’s game. Last weekend’s Baylor game was the first that he’s missed, and Kansas was hoping to get him back as quickly as possible, obviously, but there’s always the need for caution with injury recovery to avoid missing more unnecessary time down the line.

After all, while averaging 19.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game this season, McCullar has been vital to the team’s success. As Goodman mentioned, Kansas missed McCullar during their last time on the court, when Texas Tech took it to the Jayhawks in dominating fashion, defeating the team in a rough showing.

Time will tell who gets the better of who when Kansas and Oklahoma take the court, as it’s anyone’s guess, but there’s certainly momentum trending in the Jayhawks’ direction.