Offense meets defense when the No. 2 Baylor Bears (14-1, 4-0 Big 12) visit Oklahoma State to take on the Cowboys (9-7, 0-4 Big 12). The game starts at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2020, and will air on ESPN2.
Baylor Bears at Oklahoma State Cowboys Betting Prediction
In the Bears’ last matchup, they beat the Iowa State Cyclones, 68-55. The Bears had a much better free throw rate (0.210 vs. 0.052) and held the Cyclones to an offensive rebounding percentage of 22.2 (below their season average of 28.2). Baylor received a boost from Freddie Gillespie, who recorded 14 points and 11 rebounds.
The Cowboys were beaten by the Texas Longhorns in their last game, 76-64. Texas’ 0.616 effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Oklahoma State, who had a rate of 0.452. The Longhorns’ mark was above their season average of 0.510. With 12 points on 5-for-10 shooting, Kalib Boone was Oklahoma State’s leading scorer.
The ineffective offense of Oklahoma State will square off against the elite defense of Baylor. The Cowboys currently rank 297th in offensive efficiency, while the Bears are eighth in defensive efficiency. The Bears figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent game, the Cowboys won 67-64. Oklahoma State had a better turnover percentage (7.7 vs. 12.6). Baylor, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (22.0 vs. 16.3).
Baylor Bears at Oklahoma State Cowboys Free Pick
Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Baylor, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Oklahoma State averages 3.9 blocks per game, which ranks 70th in the NCAA. Baylor ranks 149th in blocks allowed per game (5.3).
The Bears’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 14.2, down from 15.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cowboys have scored an average of 55.4 points per game (10.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 59.8 points per game (3.3 below their season average).
