West Virginia hosts Baylor tonight at 7 p.m. at the WVU Coliseum.
Wesley Shoemaker: The return of Jalen Bridges to Morgantown is the biggest storyline a month ago, but with both teams being 0-3, that is now what overshadows things. I think the Mountaineers are in desperation mode, but so are the Bears. I think it will be a big bounce back game from Erik Stevenson. If Kedrian Johnson can play that’s another plus. In the end, West Virginia protects home court.
West Virginia 74, Baylor 70
Aaron Parker: Although both teams sit at 0-3 in conference play, both WVU and Baylor have the talent to be right in the mix with the best of the Big 12. WVU is coming off its biggest loss of the season after Kansas defeated the Mountaineers by 16 points. Baylor is coming off a two-point overtime loss to Kansas State, but the talent of the Bears’ back court will certainly get them back in the mix. WVU will need both Erik Stevenson and Tre Mitchell to step up if the Mountaineers want to keep up with a talented Baylor offense. Stevenson shot just 5-for-12 against Kansas, but I think he will get back in rhythm and score 18 points for WVU. I think freshman Keyonte George and senior Adam Flagler will be the difference in this game. The former five-star George scored 27 points against TCU, 22 points against Kansas State, and 16 against Iowa State. I think George will score 15 and the senior Flagler will lead the way with 20.
Baylor 82, West Virginia 71
Matt Natriello: After being ranked entering conference play, 0-3 is not the start that was expected from either of these teams. Both teams need a win in this game to get back on track and keep their hopes of making the NCAA tournament alive. The West Virginia shooting will progress back to the mean and have them the ones be back on track.
West Virginia 68, Baylor 61
