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Will tonight be the night the K-State Wildcats end their road losing streak against the Baylor Bears? As we head into this highly anticipated matchup, both teams are feeling the pressure to turn their seasons around. With the game set for 8 p.m. CST at the Foster Pavilion in Waco, Texas, fans are eager to see how this battle unfolds.
The Kansas State Wildcats (7-10, 1-5 Big 12) will take on the Baylor Bears (11-6, 3-3 Big 12) after a disappointing stretch for both teams. K-State is coming off five consecutive losses, struggling to find any rhythm on both offense and defense. Coach Jerome Tang's squad hasn't won a true road game since January 9th, 2024, which adds to the pressure of tonight's game.
Conversely, Baylor is looking to break a two-game losing streak, having suffered defeats against Arizona and TCU. A win at home is crucial for them to regain momentum and secure a better position in the Big 12 standings. With four players averaging over ten points per game, including leading scorer Norchad Omier (15.8 PPG), the Bears boast a potent offensive lineup.
Here are the expected starting lineups for each team:
| Kansas State Wildcats | Position | Height | Year | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coleman Hawkins | F | 6-10 | Sr. | 10.8 |
| David N’Guessan | F | 6-9 | Sr. | 12.6 |
| Max Jones | G | 6-4 | Sr. | 9.1 |
| Brendan Hausen | G | 6-4 | Jr. | 11.9 |
| Dug McDaniel | G | 5-11 | Jr. | 9.3 |
| Baylor Bears | Position | Height | Year | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Ojianwuna | F | 6-10 | Jr. | 7.9 |
| Norchad Omier | F | 6-7 | Sr. | 15.8 |
| VJ EdgeCombe | G | 6-5 | Fr. | 12.8 |
| Robert Wright | G | 6-1 | Fr. | 12.1 |
| Jeremy Roach | G | 6-2 | Sr. | 11.9 |
In terms of betting lines, Baylor is favored by 12.5 points, with an over/under set at 145.5. A high-scoring affair is expected, particularly since both teams rank poorly in 3-point defense. K-State will likely look to exploit this weakness by getting hot from beyond the arc, relying on key players like Brendan Hausen and Max Jones to break through their shooting slump.
While the Wildcats have a tough road ahead, they could leverage their prior success against Baylor under Coach Tang, who holds a perfect 3-0 record against his former team. If K-State can establish a strong defensive presence and control the pace of the game, they may have a fighting chance to turn their fortunes around.
As for Baylor, they will be looking to make a statement on their home turf, especially against a struggling opponent. With recent injury concerns, their roster depth will be put to the test. However, strong performances from their key players will be essential for reclaiming their place in the standings.
As the stage is set for what promises to be an exciting matchup, basketball fans can tune in to ESPNU or listen on KCSP (610 AM) for the live coverage. Will the Bears defend their home court, or can the Wildcats pull off a surprising upset? Tune in to find out!
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