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Five Things to Know Before WVU vs. Baylor

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Photo: Kelsie LeRose / WVSN

West Virginia will take on No. 8 Baylor on Monday night, in Waco. The Mountaineers are looking to end a five-game losing streak. Let’s take a look at five things to know before the game between WVU and Baylor.

Baylor Pulled Away in First Matchup

Just two weeks ago on Jan. 18, Baylor was able to pull away from the Mountaineers in the final five minutes, in Morgantown. The Bears ended the game on a 17-9 run behind Matthew Mayer and LJ Cryer, winning 77-68.

WVU showed fight in the first matchup, going on a 14-0 first half run to keep themselves in the game. Due to missed layups and poor perimeter defense, West Virginia fizzled out in the second half.

At the time, Baylor guard James Akinjo missed the game due to a back injury. Akinjo has been back and will play this time around against West Virginia.

LJ Cryer Could Miss Monday’s Game

According to Sic ‘Em Sports, Baylor’s leading scorer LJ Cryer could miss the second matchup on Monday night. Cryer hasn’t been officially listed as a game-time decision, but they expect an announcement by the Bears moments before tipoff.

Cryer missed the Alabama game on Saturday. Baylor head coach Scott Drew has not addressed Cryer’s status for the game. Cryer finished with 25 points on 8-of-16 shooting from the field against the Mountaineers on Jan. 18.

Huggins Sees Game as ‘Opportunity’

Following the loss to Arkansas, WVU head coach Bob Huggins said that Monday’s game against Baylor is an opportunity.

“It’s not tough, it’s an opportunity,” Huggins said. “It’s an opportunity that I’m looking forward to and those guys heading for the bus better feel the same way. It’s an opportunity for us.”

West Virginia could use Monday night as an opportunity to get their best win of the season.

Betting Lines

The spread for the West Virginia and Baylor game is -13 Baylor. The WVU money line is +700.

The over-under is 139.5.

How to Watch and Listen

You can watch West Virginia take on Baylor on Monday, at 9 p.m., on ESPN. The Big 12 matchup will take place inside the Farrell Center, in Waco, Texas.

Mountaineer Sports Network will broadcast the game on the radio, with Tony Caridi and Jay Jacobs once again calling WVU games for the entirety of this season.

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