5 Things to Know Before WVU vs. Baylor

West Virginia and Baylor matchup on Wednesday night at the WVU Coliseum in an anticipated game. Both WVU and Baylor face an 0-3 record in conference play. Let’s take a look at five things to know before the game.

Jalen Bridges Returns to Morgantown

Former WVU F Jalen Bridges is set to return to Morgantown as his new team, Baylor comes to play West Virginia on Wednesday. Bridges transferred from WVU to Baylor last April.

Bridges is in his third season playing in college basketball, two with West Virginia and one with Baylor. The Fairmont native played in 61 games for the Mountaineers from 2020-22, starting in 52 of those games. Bridges was a part of the 2021 NCAA Tournament team which he started the second half of the season on.

During his sophomore season, Bridges averaged 8.4 points and 4.8 rebounds in 33 games.

Following the 2021-22 season, Bridges entered his name into the transfer portal, leaving his home state for the first time. Bridges was recruited highly by Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan State and others, before committing to Baylor and staying in the Big 12.

Bridges has played 15 games with his new team, averaging 8.9 points on 48 percent shooting from the field.

Ex-Mountaineer Jalen Bridges Set to Make Return with Baylor on Wednesday

Kedrian Johnson a Game-Time Decision

West Virginia head coach Bob Huggins listed starting guard Kedrian Johnson day-to-day with a concussion on Tuesday. Johnson missed the previous game against Kansas last Saturday.

“He went a little bit [on Monday] but not much,” Huggins said. “That’s all I can tell you. We’ll see what he does today.”

Johnson sustained the concussion in the Oklahoma State game on Jan. 2.

Joe Toussaint and Kobe Johnson replaced the role of Kedrian Johnson against the Jayhawks on Saturday. Toussaint played 35 minutes, finishing with eight points, four rebounds and five assists.

Johnson is in his third year with West Virginia, second season starting. The Dallas native is averaging 9.1 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists through 14 games so far.

Both WVU and Baylor Vulnerable at 0-3 in Conference

West Virginia and Baylor head into Wednesday’s game as two of the remaining three winless teams in the Big 12. WVU and Baylor sit at 0-3 in conference play and one will join 0-4 Texas Tech.

Mountaineers and Bears both had solid non-conference resumes. West Virginia defeated Pitt, UAB and Florida while losing to now-No. 1 Purdue and Xavier. Baylor has good wins over UCLA and Gonzaga and losses to Virginia and Marquette.

The Bears have lost to Iowa State, Kansas State and TCU in the past week. West Virginia lost to Kansas State, Oklahoma State and Kansas. One has to win on Wednesday.

Betting Lines

The spread for the West Virginia-Baylor game is WVU -1.5. The over/under is set at 147.5.

Where to Watch

West Virginia and Baylor will tip off at 7 p.m. inside the WVU Coliseum on Wednesday. ESPN+ will carry the broadcast.