Jan 30, 2016 04:00 PM EST By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

The Big 12 - SEC Challenge this year will be highlighted by two of the nation's best players meeting on the same court when the LSU Tigers host the Oklahoma Sooners (1).

Though Oklahoma's Buddy Hield and LSU's Ben Simmons play different positions, watching them go back on forth on offense will be must-watch television. Hield is pacing the Power 5 Conferences in points per game with 26 while Simmons is leading LSU in points, rebounds, and assists per game.

Tipoff: 5 p.m. ET in Baton Rouge, La.

Listen live online: SoonersSports.com, LSUsports.net

Watch live online: WatchESPN

Hield has been an absolute force on offense for the Sooners, ranking among the best shooters in the nation in terms of percentages. But the real key for the Sooners is their experience, having started Hield, Isaiah Cousins, Ryan Spangler, and Jordan Woodard every game over the past three seasons, according to the team's official website.

But LSU is tough at home, suffering only one loss this season at the Pete Maravich Center. Playing the number-one team in the nation, LSU's crowd should be revved up and ready for a court-storming in the event of an upset.

LSU's main advantage is, of course, Simmons. The freshman power forward is averaging nearly 20 points per game, five assists, and 12 rebounds. He has also added about two steals and a block per game in his campaign toward being the NBA Draft's top overall selection.

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