Texas Showdown: Baylor vs Texas NCAA Hoops Odds

Posted by Henry Watkins on Friday,February 19, 2016 1:30, EDT in

You often hear it said that everything is bigger in Texas. If that is indeed the case, then there should be no bigger match-up this weekend than that one that sees Baylor travel from Waco to Austin to face their in-state rivals the Texas Longhorns. Both teams are clinging to a spot in the top 25, but both also have a shot at making a move upwards this week after registering huge wins earlier in the week. Both Baylor and Texas still have an outside shot of getting to the top of the Big-12 before the season ends, but a loss here would likely mean the end of that dream. It was the Longhorns who took the earlier meeting versus Baylor, but they know that their rivals will be thirsty for revenge this time around. This could well be a close one, and it’s going to be interesting to see what sort of college hoops point spread the bookies put in place.

How To Bet Baylor Bears Vs Texas Longhorns NCAAB Odds, TV and Game Info

When: Saturday February 20, 2 PM EST
Where: Frank Erwin Center, Austin
TV: ESPN
Radio: KTXX
Live Stream: WatchESPN
NCAA Odds: TBA

Why bet on the Baylor Bears

The Bears (19-7, 8-5) were in danger of vanishing without a trace after losing 3 games in a 4-game stretch, but they responded brilliantly with a determined 100-91 OT win over Iowa State earlier this week. It was their first win against ranked opponents in three attempts, but more importantly, it brought to an end a losing skid that threatened to drop Baylor out of the realms of the ranked. The tough part now for the Bears is following that up with another big win, only this time on the road. The good news for Baylor is that they have won 4 of their last 5 road games, including a big one away at Iowa State. It’s going to be a tough end of the season for Baylor, as their final 4 games after this one are against ranked opponents. A win here could well set them up for a strong home stretch run. The Bears are averaging 78.9 PPG, and are giving up 69.7 PPG.

Why bet on the Texas Longhorns

After taking back to back losses against teams in the top 25, the Texas Longhorns could very well have chosen to pack up their stuff and go home, but they got this week off to a great start with an 85-78 win over the #10 ranked West Virginia Mountaineers. The Longhorns are a lot like Baylor in that they have struggled recently, yet have still found a way to pull out a huge win when they needed it most. Perhaps the biggest reason to look at the Longhorns as a good value bet is the fact that they have only lost one game on home court all season long. That one came against Connecticut a while back, and Texas have been perfect ever since. The Longhorns are averaging 72.8 PPG, and are giving up 67.5 PPG.

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Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

It was Texas who picked up the win when they played Baylor in Waco earlier this season, and that has to give them a bit of a psychological edge. I like the Longhorns at home, and I think they will come away with a very tight win.

Baylor Bears 72 Texas Longhorns 74