The No. 6 Baylor Bears (10-1) welcome the Texas Longhorns (10-2) in a matchup that pits outstanding offense against superb defense. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 4, 2020, and will air on ESPN2.
Texas Longhorns vs. Baylor Bears Betting Prediction
In the Longhorns’ last game, they blew out the High Point Panthers, 89-58. The Longhorns had an absurd effective field goal percentage of 0.631 (above their season average of 0.510) and had a turnover percentage of 13.5 (better than their season average of 17.9). Texas was led by Jericho Sims, who contributed 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The Bears had no trouble getting past the Jackson State Tigers in their last matchup, 83-57. The Bears had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.352 (above their season average of 0.211) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.593 (above their season average of 0.510). With 10 points and 13 rebounds, Baylor’s Freddie Gillespie had a solid outing.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the last matchup, the Bears won 84-83. The Bears made 20 of their 24 free throws (83.3 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (50.0 vs. 30.3).
The game should be a matchup of strength against strength as the productive offense of Baylor (42nd in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 111.5) takes on the elite defense of Texas (48th in the country with a defensive efficiency of 90.2).
Texas Longhorns at Baylor Bears Betting Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Texas, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Texas ranks 26th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while Baylor ranks 150th (4.8).
The Bears rank 24th in steals per game (9.1) while the Longhorns rank 136th (6.2).
Texas ranks 47th in three pointers attempted per game (25.9) while Baylor ranks 88th (24.2).
The Bears rank 45th in assists per game (15.5) while the Longhorns rank 86th (14.3).
Baylor ranks 81st in rebounds per game (38.1) while Texas ranks 85th in rebounds allowed per game (33.5).
The Longhorns’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.0, down from 8.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 73.6 points per game (3.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 55.2 points per game (5.1 below their season average).
