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Jan 6, 2024; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Baylor Bears guard Ja’Kobe Walter (4) puts up a shot over Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Bryce Thompson (1) during the second half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 6, 2024; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Baylor Bears guard Ja’Kobe Walter (4) puts up a shot over Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Bryce Thompson (1) during the second half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports

The Baylor Bears will clash with the BYU Cougars at the Foster Pavilion on Tuesday. While the Bears have a 12-2 tally going into the match, the Cougars also have the same record in the Big 12. This match will be interesting because both are ranked teams with the Bears occupying the 14th spot while the Cougars are positioned at the 18th spot in the AP men’s basketball rankings.

The game will certainly bring changes in the AP men’s ranking irrespective of whichever team wins.

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For the Bears, all eyes will be on their guard Ja’Kobe Walter. Walter has basketed 15.3 points per game with 4.4 rebounds per match. He has played the role of the alpha for his team.

Jan 6, 2024; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys forward Eric Dailey Jr. (2) drives around Baylor Bears guard Ja’Kobe Walter (4) during the first half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports

He would be hungry coming into this game since he could only drop seven points against the Oklahoma State Cowboys. If the Bears are to win this game then Walter will have to be at his best.

Another player who will play a crucial role in the game will be RayJ Dennis. Dennis has played a crucial role in this team becoming the second fiddle to Walter.

He has besotted an average of 14.2 points per game and stands atop the list of the assist average with 6.2 assists per contest. This duo will be difficult to deal with for the Cougars and will have to be contained from the word go.

For the BYU Cougars, their guard Jaxson Robinson has been the alpha for his team. He has smashed 15.2 points per game and has stood out among his teammates.

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He would be keen to decimate the opponents after he could only pot a paltry 5 points in a humiliating loss to the Cincinnati Bearcats. Robinson can turn the tides around for his team and provide an upset lest he be confined.

Head to Head

As per Sports reference, the Baylor Bears have clashed with the BYU in 10 games out of which an equal number of 5 games have been won by each team. While the Bears have thrashed an average of 69.6 points per game, the BYU have soused 76.2 points per match. The stats clearly show that the BYU have succeeded in a more offensive approach than the Baylor Bears. However, every game is a fresh take especially in college basketball and it will be interesting to see which team notches up a point. 

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Prediction

This is going to be one of the most crucial Big 12 matches. It will also decide the team that’ll have a more dominating run in the Big 12. Both teams will be looking to better their record.

via Imago

The Bears are ranked higher and also this game is at their home court will might just shift the power dynamics in their side and they will be the favorites to secure a win in this game. Irrespective of the result, this will be a nail-biter clash.

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