Baylor Bears vs Kansas State Wildcats Picks and Predictions January 22nd 2025

Kansas State Seeks Turnaround Against Baylor in Big 12 Clash

The Kansas State Wildcats will look to snap a five-game losing streak as they visit the Baylor Bears on Wednesday night in Waco, Texas. Despite their struggles, head coach Jerome Tang remains optimistic, while Baylor is eager to bounce back from a frustrating home loss.

Kansas State Searching for Answers

The Wildcats (7-10, 1-5 Big 12) are desperate for a win but have shown glimpses of improvement. After falling behind 14-0 in their last game against then-No. 9 Kansas, they rallied to make it competitive before ultimately losing by 10 points.

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Head coach Jerome Tang, who spent 19 years as an assistant under Baylor’s Scott Drew, believes his team is on the verge of turning things around.

“We don’t have guys who hang their heads,” Tang said. “These are high-character dudes. Our last two practices were the best two practices of the year, and I expect the next ones to be better than the ones before. We’re just going to keep building and keep getting better.”

Key Players for Kansas State

• David N’Guessan (12.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG) – Team leader in scoring and rebounding.
• Tylor Perry (experienced playmaker) – Needs to step up in crunch time.
• Wildcats looking for a faster start – Cannot afford another slow opening stretch.

Kansas State has swept the last three meetings against Baylor, giving them some confidence heading into Waco.

Baylor Looking to Rebound After Home Collapse

The Bears (11-6, 3-3 Big 12) are coming off back-to-back losses, including a frustrating 74-71 defeat to TCU at home. Baylor blew a seven-point halftime lead, and made just four of their last 18 shots, allowing TCU to steal the victory on a last-second three-pointer.

Head coach Scott Drew was frustrated by his team’s approach late in the game.

“I thought down the stretch, they were playing free, and we were playing not to lose,” Drew said. “These are games where when you can separate, you’ve got to separate. And if you don’t, this is what happens.”

Key Players for Baylor

• Norchad Omier (15.8 PPG) – Leading scorer, key offensive weapon.
• Balanced scoring attack – Five players averaging in double figures.
• Need better execution late in games – Struggled with closing out TCU.

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The Bears will be eager to protect their home court after suffering their first home loss of the season.

Can Kansas State Pull Off the Upset?

With Kansas State desperate for a win and Baylor looking to avoid a three-game slide, this matchup carries significant weight in the Big 12 standings.

• Will Kansas State avoid another slow start?
• Can Baylor regain its confidence in close games?
• Will Jerome Tang’s familiarity with Scott Drew give the Wildcats an edge?

With both teams needing a win, expect a high-intensity battle in Waco as Kansas State aims to snap its losing streak while Baylor looks to bounce back on its home floor.