Baylor hosts Arizona in a Big 12 matchup at Foster Pavilion. The game tips off at 10:00 PM ET. Arizona is 17-8 overall and 11-3 in conference play, while Baylor is 16-9 with an 8-6 Big 12 record. The Wildcats won the first meeting 81-70 on January 14.
Arizona is ranked No. 13, but they have lost two straight. Baylor is unranked but has a strong home record at 12-1. Both teams are fighting for positioning in the Big 12 and NCAA Tournament seeding. Arizona is looking to snap its losing streak, while Baylor wants to build momentum after a 74-71 overtime win against West Virginia.
Baylor Preview – Can They Defend Home Court?
Baylor has been tough at home, winning 12 of 13 games. They have alternated wins and losses in their last seven games. The Bears’ offense averages 79.1 points per game, which ranks fifth in the Big 12.
Forward Norchad Omier is a key player, leading the team with 15.7 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. He recorded his 13th double-double of the season in the win over West Virginia. Guard Jalen Celestine provides shooting support, and Jeremy Roach adds depth off the bench.
Defensively, Baylor allows 69.9 points per game, ranking 10th in the Big 12. The Bears have struggled against three-point shooting, allowing opponents to make 35.8% of their attempts. Their defensive effort will be tested against Arizona’s inside scoring and rebounding.
Arizona Preview – Can the Offense Find Its Shot?
Arizona has dropped two straight games and struggled from three-point range. The Wildcats shot just 9.1% from deep against Kansas State and 21.7% against Houston. They average 81.3 points per game, third in the Big 12.
Caleb Love leads the team with 15.9 points per game but is shooting just 30.1% from three this season. The Wildcats prefer to attack inside, ranking top 10 nationally in rebounds per game at 37.1. They also get to the free throw line often, shooting 77.2% as a team.
Arizona’s defense allows 69.5 points per game, ranking ninth in the Big 12. Their three-point defense has struggled, allowing opponents to shoot 35.8% from deep. They will need to limit Baylor’s perimeter scoring to win on the road.
Betting Prediction
The spread favors Baylor by 1.5 points, with a total set at 150.5. Arizona has a better record but has struggled on the road, going 5-3. Baylor is 12-1 at home, making them a strong play at Foster Pavilion.
Baylor has covered the spread in 11 of their last 18 home games. Arizona has gone under the total in 20 of their last 37 games. If Baylor’s defense holds, they should win a close game at home.
Pick: Baylor Bears -1.5
Taking the Baylor Bears at home seems to be the right move. The Big 12 is a tough conference to win on the road.
