#2 Houston’s Road Test: Can the Cougars Conquer Waco?
A top-tier Big 12 battle unfolds this Saturday in Waco as the #11 Baylor Bears (19-7, 8-5 Big 12) host the #2 Houston Cougars (23-3, 10-3 Big 12) in a high-stakes clash. The Cougars, currently atop the conference standings, look to extend their dominance, while the Bears aim to defend their formidable 13-1 home-court record.
Clash of Styles: Baylor’s Shooting vs. Houston’s Defense
Baylor brings a potent offensive arsenal, ranking fourth nationally in three-point accuracy (39.6%) and excelling in field goal percentage (49.3%). They love to spread the floor and rain down shots, averaging 82.6 points per game. Houston counters with a stifling defense, ranking top-30 nationally in rebounds, turnovers forced, and blocked shots.
X-Factors and Betting Trends
Baylor boasts an impressive 8-4 record against the spread at home, while Houston’s road record against the spread sits at a shaky 1-6. This makes for an intriguing betting scenario, especially considering this is the only regular-season meeting between the two teams.
The Prediction
Our model forecasts a nail-biter, with Houston edging out a 71-70 victory. However, Baylor’s home-court advantage and lethal shooting could flip the script. Can the Cougars’ defense withstand Baylor’s barrage from beyond the arc, or will the Bears pull off an upset under the CBS spotlight?
Game Details
- Date: Saturday, February 24th, 2024
- Time: 12:00 PM Eastern
- TV: CBS
Get ready for a thrilling showdown with major implications in the Big 12 title race!