5 Things to Know Before WVU vs. No. 9 Baylor

In West Virginia’s second game of the Texas road trip, the Mountaineers head to Waco to take on No. 9 Baylor. Let’s take a look at five things to know before the game.

First Meeting: Baylor Closed Out Late

Back on Jan. 11, Baylor came into Morgantown and outlasted WVU, 83-78. The first matchup was former WVU F Jalen Bridges’ return to the coliseum. Bridges played 36 minutes, finishing with 10 points and 11 rebounds. West Virginia had an opportunity to tie the game, but a Joe Toussaint three did not fall.

The first matchup also marked the last game coached by long-time assistant Larry Harrison.

Baylor on Hot Streak

The Bears have won nine of their last 10 games. In the first meeting, WVU and Baylor were both 0-3 in conference at the time. Now, Baylor is 8-4 with big wins over Kansas, TCU, Arkansas and others.

Keyonte George, LJ Cryer and Adam Flagler have created one of the best backcourts in the country, but the improved play by Bridges has boosted the Bears. Baylor also returned reigning Big 12 co-Defensive Player of the Year Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua after a year-long injury.

Can WVU Control the Ball?

In West Virginia’s 34-point loss to Texas on Saturday, the Mountaineers turned the ball over 20 times. The Longhorns scored 32 points off of WVU’s mistakes. WVU is 0-3 when committing 20 or more turnovers this season.

Against Baylor in the first matchup, West Virginia turned it over just seven times. Can the Mountaineers control the ball against the Bears again on Monday night?

Betting Lines

The spread for the West Virginia-Baylor game is Baylor -6.5. The over/under is set at 148.5.

Where to Watch

West Virginia and Baylor will tip off at 9 p.m. inside the Ferrell Center on Monday. The Mountaineers and Bears will be on ESPN2.