Baylor’s two Big 12 losses were dished out by Oklahoma and Kansas, if you’re going to have a good loss, those would definitely qualify. After playing at LSU on Tuesday, Georgia makes the long trip to Waco in the middle of their conference schedule to compete in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge.
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HOW THE GEORGIA BULLDOGS CAN COVER THE SPREAD
It’s a difficult week of travel for the Bulldogs, who took a trip to Baton Rouge on Tuesday to face LSU. After a return to Athens, the team is back on a plane headed to Waco for their matchup with Baylor in the made-for-TV SEC/Big 12 Challenge. Coach Mark Fox isn’t pleased about the break from conference play, but realizes the Bulldogs have an opportunity to add a quality win that would impress the NCAA tournament selection committee. And right now Georgia sure could use that.
Georgia had won eight of 11 games before Tuesday’s 89-85 loss to LSU. That pothole in the road makes Saturday’s game even more important. A key for Georgia this season has been the emergence of sophomore forward Yante Maten, who averages of 15.7 points, and leads the team with 7.7 rebounds and 1.9 blocks. Maten and frontcourt partner Derek Ogbeide will have to contain Baylor’s talented big men by altering shots and corralling every rebound.
HOW THE BAYLOR BEARS CAN COVER THE SPREAD
Baylor looks to get back to its winning ways at the Ferrell Center after having a 15-game home court winning streak snapped by Oklahoma last Saturday. It was an uncharacteristic performance for the Bears, who win games by playing strong defense, taking care of the basketball and rebounding. They allowed the Sooners to shoot 62 percent from the floor, 57.1 percent from three-point land and turned the ball over 16 times. Numbers like that usually result in a loss and against the No. 1 team in the country, they guaranteed it.
Maybe it was the pressure of playing the top ranked team in the country, or possibly just an off-night for most of the team. But whatever the reason, Baylor must get back to what it does best. The Bears lead the nation with 20.8 assists per game and the Big 12 with a 1.62 assist-to-turnover ratio. Rico Gathers, Taurean Prince and Johnathan Motley are three of the team’s top four scorers and make up a solid frontcourt. The trio could put up big numbers against the Bulldogs, who primarily use a three-guard lineup with undersized post players.
ANALYSIS AND ODDS PREDICTION
Georgia has been playing well since it opened the season at 3-3, but the Bulldogs are overmatched up front in this game. Baylor’s frontcourt, particularly rebound-leader Gathers is punishing strong and likes to play a physical game. Advantage Bears in the post. Georgia can keep it interesting with some stellar play from its backcourt trio of J.J. Frazier, Charles Mann and Kenny Gaines, who combined to score 65 of the team’s 85 points in Tuesday’s loss to LSU. While the backcourt did its job offensively, the Bulldogs couldn’t contain Ben Simmons and Tim Quarterman, who had their way. While Baylor’s talented post players don’t quite equal what Simmons brings to the floor, they are special. Prince, Gathers and Motley all average double figures in scoring while Gathers hauls down 10.7 boards per game. Add the travel factor in for Georgia and this will be a weary team going against one of the Big 12’s best.
Baylor 75, Georgia 62
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