West Virginia Mountaineers vs
Baylor BearsPredictions & Preview

West Virginia Mountaineers Look to Upset Baylor Bears in Big 12 Showdown - Betting Line Favors Baylor at -8.5

In this upcoming conference battle, the West Virginia Mountaineers (15-9, 6-7 Big 12) will face off against the Baylor Bears (15-9, 7-6 Big 12) in Waco. Baylor won the previous meeting last season by 13 points on the road. West Virginia is looking to bounce back from a recent loss to BYU, while Baylor is coming off a defeat against #6 Houston. The current betting line favors Baylor at -8.5. Tipoff is set for 2:00 EST on ESPN2. Stay tuned for our West Virginia vs. Baylor prediction.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Mountaineers +310 | Bears -400
• Spread: Mountaineers +8.5 (-110) | Bears -8.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 134.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Baylor will win straight-up is 80%.

West Virginia vs Baylor Stats

West Virginia Mountaineers

The West Virginia Mountaineers currently have a 6-7 conference record but are still included in Joe Lunardi's bracket as a 10-seed. A few wins could solidify their spot, while a few losses could knock them out. Toby Okani had a standout game against BYU, leading the team with 16 points and five rebounds. Javon Small is the team's top scorer and is also leading the Big 12 with 18.5 PPG. Amani Hansberry is their top interior player, averaging 9.5 PPG and 6.0 RPG. Despite losing Tucker DeVries to injury, West Virginia is currently ranked 47th overall by KenPom and plays at a slow pace. Offensively, they average 69.39 points per game and shoot 42.98% from the field. Defensively, they allow 63.57 points per game and hold opponents to 40.16% shooting from the field.

Baylor Bears Analysis

The Baylor Bears have shown their strength in the Big 12 conference this season, facing tough competition and maintaining a solid record. Led by standout players like Norchad Omier, VJ Edgecombe, and Robert Wright III, the team has showcased their offensive prowess with impressive stats in scoring and shooting percentages. Despite recent losses to strong opponents like Texas Tech and Houston, Baylor remains a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA Tournament projections. With a current ranking of 28th overall and a projected 9-seed, the Bears are poised for success as they continue to showcase their talent on the court.

Baylor's Freshman Standouts and Offensive Prowess Make Them the Team to Beat in Showdown Against West Virginia

Baylor exhibits a formidable offensive strategy, with their dynamic freshman players showing marked improvement as they acclimate to conference competition. VJ Edgecombe, a standout player for Baylor, is poised to be a top pick in the upcoming draft, having adjusted to the fast pace of Big 12 games and consistently scoring 18 or more points in six conference matchups this season. Robert Wright III is also on an upward trajectory, achieving double-digit scores in four of his last five games and leading the team in assists, including an impressive 24-point performance against Kansas. Additionally, Norchad Omier adds to Baylor's strength as an exceptional all-around forward. In comparison, West Virginia relies heavily on Javon Small as their primary player, hoping for contributions from role players on a nightly basis. Baylor's offensive efficiency, ranking 11th in the nation, far surpasses West Virginia's 102nd ranking. The combination of talent and offensive prowess positions Baylor as the likely victor in this matchup, making them the favored choice.

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