Utah Utes vs Baylor Bears Picks and Predictions January 25th 2025

Baylor Seeks Consistency in Big 12 Play Against Utah

After snapping a two-game skid with a victory over Kansas State, the Baylor Bears (12-6, 4-3 Big 12) head west to face the Utah Utes (11-7, 3-4) on Saturday in Salt Lake City. Both teams are seeking consistency in the hyper-competitive Big 12 conference, making this a pivotal matchup.

Baylor Riding High After Emotional Win

Baylor’s 70-62 victory over Kansas State on Wednesday wasn’t just a boost for the Bears’ record, but also for their morale. VJ Edgecombe was a standout, scoring 30 points and demonstrating why he’s one of Baylor’s top offensive threats. Jalen Celestine added 18 points and seven rebounds in a complete team effort.

The win came at a crucial time for Baylor after back-to-back losses and showcased their ability to grind out a tough victory. Baylor head coach Scott Drew also delivered a postgame pep talk to Kansas State in a gesture of sportsmanship, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in Big 12 play.

“I know what Jerome Tang is going through. The lows are tough when you pour your heart into a team,” Drew said of the Kansas State coach, his longtime former assistant. “I wanted to make sure they know there’s still a lot of basketball to be played.”

Utah Looking to Bounce Back

Utah, on the other hand, enters the game trying to shake off the sting of a 70-36 drubbing by No. 7 Houston on Wednesday. The Utes struggled mightily, with no players scoring in double figures. Gabe Madsen led the team with just eight points, while Keanu Dawes added seven points and nine rebounds.

The Utes fell behind 26-5 early, victimized by an 18-0 Houston run that set the tone for the game. Despite the rough outing, Utah head coach Craig Smith stressed the need for his team to adjust to the physical and mental demands of Big 12 play.

“When we got punched, some of our guys looked almost shellshocked,” Smith said. “At this point, when you’re seven games in, you’ve got to have a feel for what Big 12 play is like.”

Prior to the loss to Houston, Utah had won three straight games, including a thrilling 73-72 overtime victory over rival BYU, which showcased the Utes’ potential when firing on all cylinders.

Key Matchups

Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe vs. Utah’s Defense: Edgecombe’s explosive scoring ability (30 points against Kansas State) will be a focal point. Utah will need to find a way to contain him while also limiting Jalen Celestine’s production.

Utah’s Gabe Madsen vs. Baylor’s Defense: Madsen, Utah’s leading scorer at 15.3 points per game, will need a bounce-back performance after being held to eight points by Houston. Baylor’s defense will look to capitalize on Utah’s recent offensive struggles.

Battle on the Boards: Baylor’s Norchad Omier (15.1 points, 10.1 rebounds per game) is a double-double machine. Utah’s Keanu Dawes (7.9 rebounds per game) will have his hands full trying to limit Omier’s impact in the paint.

What’s at Stake

For Baylor, a win would keep them firmly in the mix near the top of the Big 12 standings and build momentum heading into the heart of conference play. For Utah, a victory would help stabilize their season after a tough loss to Houston and provide a confidence boost in a challenging league.

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Conclusion

Both Baylor and Utah have plenty to prove in this Big 12 clash. Baylor’s balanced offense, led by Edgecombe and Omier, gives them the edge, but Utah’s ability to respond after adversity will be tested. If the Utes can limit turnovers and capitalize on second-chance opportunities, they may keep the game competitive. However, Baylor’s firepower and recent form make them the favorites to secure a critical conference road win.