It will be a showdown between two exceptional defenses when the sixth-ranked Baylor Bears (10-1) clash with the Texas Longhorns (10-2) at Ferrell Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 4, 2020, and will air on ESPN2.
Texas Longhorns at Baylor Bears ATS Odds
Both teams dismantled their last opponent. The Bears defeated the Jackson State Tigers 83-57, while the Longhorns beat the High Point Panthers 89-58.
Texas played a nearly flawless game. They had a fantastic effective field goal percentage of 0.631 (above their season average of 0.510) and a turnover percentage of 13.5 (better than their season average of 17.9). High Point was 0.353 and 20.0, respectively, for those same stats. The Bears, meanwhile, 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). Baylor received a boost from Freddie Gillespie, who recorded 10 points and 13 rebounds. Jericho Sims, meanwhile played a pivotal role for Texas with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
This was a highly competitive series last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. In the last contest, the Bears won 84-83. Converting at the free throw line was one of Baylor’s largest advantages. They were 20-24 (83.3 percent), while the Longhorns were just 6-11 (54.5 percent). This will be the first meeting of the year between these two teams.
This matchup pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Baylor ranks 42nd in offensive efficiency and Texas is 48th in defensive efficiency.
Texas Longhorns vs. Baylor Bears ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Baylor, ATS Winner – Texas, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Texas ranks 26th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while Baylor ranks 150th (4.8).
- The Bears rank 45th in assists per game (15.5) while the Longhorns rank 86th (14.3).
- Baylor averages 38.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 81st in the country. Texas ranks 85th in rebounds allowed per game (33.5).
- 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).
Bettings Trends:
- 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).
- The Longhorns’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.0, down from 8.2 for the season.
