Uconn Huskies vs Baylor Bears Picks and Predictions December 4th 2024

No. 25 UConn Working on Climbing Back Up Poll, Faces No. 15 Baylor

The No. 25 UConn Huskies are set to host No. 15 Baylor in a crucial nonconference matchup on Wednesday in Storrs, Conn., as both teams aim to solidify their footing in the early stages of the season.

UConn (5-3) enters the game seeking to rebound from a humbling trip to the Maui Invitational, where it dropped all three games and fell from No. 2 to the edge of the AP Top 25. A 99-45 rout of Maryland Eastern Shore on Saturday helped the two-time defending national champions regain some confidence, but head coach Dan Hurley remains focused on the long-term growth of his team.

“I don’t think it’s a must-win game in Game Nine of the season,” Hurley said. “But it’s an opportunity to play in Gampel (Pavilion), where we play great and are very comfortable … we know we’re playing a top-level team, so it’s a big game for us and it’s a big game for them.”

Young Huskies Showing Promise

Saturday’s win saw sophomore Jaylin Stewart step into the starting lineup for the injured Alex Karaban (head) and deliver 16 points, matching freshman Liam McNeeley’s team-high total. Fellow sophomores Tarris Reed Jr. (10 points, 12 rebounds) and Jayden Ross (10 points, 10 rebounds) also notched double-doubles, showcasing UConn’s depth.

“These sophomores are just going to keep getting better and better,” Hurley said. “That’s why I do think we need the grace and support of our people here at UConn. They’re going to be such different players in January and February.”

The game against Baylor kicks off a challenging stretch for UConn, which includes a trip to Texas on Sunday and a showdown with No. 7 Gonzaga in New York on Dec. 14.

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Baylor Looking to Build Momentum

The Bears (5-2) split their games at the Battle 4 Atlantis, falling to then-No. 11 Tennessee before bouncing back with a commanding 91-60 win over New Orleans last Wednesday. Jayden Nunn led the way with a season-high 23 points, including six 3-pointers in the first half.

“Whenever you come back from the Bahamas and a trip like that, the first game, you can be playing in mud,” Baylor coach Scott Drew said. “I think the guys did a pretty good job, for the most part.”

Baylor’s balanced scoring attack also features Robert Wright III, who added 18 points, and Jeremy Roach, who chipped in 17. Miami transfer Norchad Omier has been a force on the boards, recording his third straight double-double with 12 points and a season-high 13 rebounds against the Privateers.

Key Matchup

The game pits two teams with contrasting trajectories but similar aspirations. UConn’s youth and raw talent will face a test against Baylor’s experienced and disciplined roster. Both teams are seeking a signature win to bolster their résumés and climb the rankings, making this a high-stakes battle early in the season.