Baylor Bears vs Norfolk State Spartans Picks and Predictions December 11th 2024

Baylor Seeks Momentum Against Norfolk State

Baylor (6-3) looks to continue its winning ways and edge closer to reclaiming a spot in the AP Top 25 as it hosts Norfolk State (6-4) on Wednesday in Waco, Texas. The Bears come off an emphatic 88-57 home win over Abilene Christian, showcasing the dominance expected of a perennial powerhouse.

Baylor’s Balanced Attack Shines at Home

Baylor demonstrated offensive efficiency in its win over Abilene Christian, starting the game with 10 consecutive made shots and building a commanding 46-22 halftime lead. The Bears shot an impressive 74.1 percent from the field in the first half, paced by Jayden Nunn’s 18-point effort. Four other players scored in double figures, including Norchad Omier, who was perfect from the floor with 15 points on 7-of-7 shooting.

Head coach Scott Drew credited the team’s execution and offensive rebounding:
“Sometimes, you get great looks, and they don’t go in. Other times, they’re going in. That’s why offensive rebounding is so critical, because you’ve got to be able to get second-chance points.”

The Bears’ well-rounded roster features multiple scoring threats, with Omier leading the way at 15.6 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. Nunn (12.9 points), Jeremy Roach (12.8), Robert Wright III (12.6), and VJ Edgecombe (11.4) round out Baylor’s top scorers, giving the team a balanced attack.

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Norfolk State’s Road Challenges

Norfolk State enters the game after an 80-67 home loss to Hofstra, which snapped an 18-game home winning streak. The Spartans, who had just returned from a grueling six-game road trip, were led by Jalen Myers with 17 points and five rebounds. Christian Ings added 12 points, but the team struggled to match Hofstra’s intensity.

Brian Moore Jr., a Murray State transfer, has been a standout for Norfolk State, averaging 20 points per game while shooting an astounding 64.7 percent from beyond the arc. Head coach Robert Jones praised Moore’s confidence and ability to deliver under pressure:
“He feels like he can make the 3. He feels like he can make those pull-ups, and things like that.”

Despite Moore’s contributions, Norfolk State will need a near-flawless performance to compete with Baylor’s depth and efficiency.

Keys to the Game

For Baylor, maintaining its offensive rhythm and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities will be crucial. The Bears’ ability to limit turnovers and dominate the boards should allow them to dictate the game’s tempo.

Norfolk State must rely on its perimeter shooting, led by Moore, to keep pace with Baylor’s firepower. The Spartans will also need a significant defensive effort to slow Baylor’s balanced scoring attack and rebound effectively against a physically dominant opponent.

Check out the latest John Wooden Award Odds & Predictions for detailed analysis and updates.

Rivalry History

Baylor has won all four previous meetings with Norfolk State, including an 87-70 victory last season on Nov. 11, 2022. With home-court advantage and momentum on their side, the Bears will look to extend their unbeaten record against the Spartans.

As Baylor continues its climb back into the national rankings, this matchup provides another opportunity for the Bears to assert their dominance while Norfolk State aims to make a statement against a top-tier opponent.