BYU (18-7) vs Baylor (19-6)
Game Info: Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 9:00 pm (Marriott Center)
Betting Odds: BYU -3.5 - Over/Under: 156 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: ESPN
The Baylor Bears will head up to Provo to face the BYU Cougars in Big 12 play this Tuesday from the Marriott Center on ESPN. Baylor leads the head-to-head series, 6-5, but BYU enters as 3.5-point home favorites, with the total sitting at 156. Stay tuned for our Baylor vs BYU Prediction.
Baylor Bears Preview
Baylor improved to 19-6 after defeating West Virginia in Morgantown, 94-81. The Bears controlled both halves to down the Mountaineers, and they’ll look to complete the season sweep of their new conference foes here in Provo. Baylor is scoring 83.0 points per game, on 49.3% shooting, while allowing 70.8 ppg, and they’re currently 3th in the Big 12 with a 8-4 record in conference play. The Bears are 6-4 over their previous ten games, and they’ve gone 3-3 on the road this season.
Baylor Team Profile
- Freshman guard Ja’Kobe Walter recorded a team-high 23 points in the win over WVU, and he leads Baylor in scoring (14.5), while grabbing 4.5 rpg.
- Toledo transfer RayJ Dennis has tallied eight dimes in three consecutive games, and he’s up to 13.4 ppg and a team-leading 6.6 apg.
- Freshman center Yves Missi went for a game-high 21 points in the Kansas matchup, and he leads the Bears in rebounding (5.6), while scoring 11.0 ppg.
- Former VCU guard Jayden Nunn set a season-high with 27 points in the Oklahoma victory, and he’s averaging 10.8 ppg.
Brigham Young Cougars Preview
BYU comes in at 18-7 after falling to Oklahoma State in Stillwater, 93-83. The Cougars had their rally cut short by the Cowboys, and they’ll attempt to win a fourth straight home game against the Bears here. BYU is scoring 83.4 points per game, on 47.0% shooting, while allowing 60.6 ppg. and they’re currently 7th in the Big 12 with a 6-6 record in conference play. The Cougars are 6-4 over their last ten games, and they’ve gone 13-2 in Provo this season. BYU will take on Kansas State, Kansas, and TCU after this game.
BYU Team Profile
- Mark Pope’s team has played a bit faster as of late, averaging 73.6 possessions per game (85th), and they’ve found success from beyond on the arch, connecting on 37.1% of their three-point shots (42nd).
- Senior guard Jaxson Robinson came thru with a game-high 21 points in the shootout win over UCF, and he leads BYU in scoring (13.8).
- Junior guard Trevin Knell responded to a cold stretch with a pair of 16-point outings, and he’s second on the team at 11.6 ppg.
- Veteran forward Noah Waterman leads the Cougars in rebounding (6.0), while scoring 10.4 ppg, and sophomore guard Dallin Hall is first on the team in assists (4.8), with averages of 9:2 ppg and 3.6 rpg.
- Versatile guard Spencer Johnson has reached double figures in four of the last six games, and he’s posting a solid line of 10.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg, and 3.4 apg.
Baylor vs BYU Trends
- BAY is 15-8-1 against the spread, with a 13-11 O/U record
- BYU is 14-11 ATS, with a 12-13 over/under record.
Baylor vs BYU Prediction
Although they’ve already beaten Iowa State and Texas, this feels like a spot where BYU can potentially pin their signature Big 12 win. This home spot against an 11th-ranked Baylor team could lead to glory, but often when I see the visitors as underdogs, I think about their national championship win over Gonzaga, and how they usually have the stronger team on the floor. BYU’s former WCC rivals were picked apart that nite on a grand stage, and while this may be a different situation, Baylor still enters with the better group. After falling to the Bears in Waco, we should see more fight from the Cougs here, but I still like putting them to the test. Spot Baylor the points for this Big 12 battle, and give the Under a look, as this is a massive number overall.
Corey’s Pick Baylor TO COVER
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
