WVU vs Baylor: Basketball Preview, Starting 5 & Predictions | ESPN2 Game

by Chief Editor

The West Virginia Mountaineers (14-7, 5-3) host the Baylor Bears (10-9, 1-7) Saturday afternoon at the Hope Coliseum, with tip-off scheduled for 4:00 p.m. EST and broadcast on ESPN2.

Mountaineers Aim for Top Four Seed

West Virginia is looking to solidify its position in the Big 12 Conference Championship standings, aiming for a top four seed. Meanwhile, the Baylor Bears are seeking a turnaround after experiencing their worst start to league play since the 2005-06 season.

Did You Know? West Virginia Head Coach Ross Hodge recently announced the starting five for today’s game.

Key Players for the Mountaineers

Guard Jasper Floyd

Senior guard Jasper Floyd is a key contributor for the Mountaineers, recently achieving his first double-figure Big 12 performance with 12 points against Arizona State. He played a crucial role in the upset victory over Kansas, contributing nine points. Floyd averages 6.8 points, a team-best 3.1 assists, and leads the team with 39 steals this season.

Guard Honor Huff

Guard Honor Huff currently leads the team in scoring, averaging 16.3 points per game. He matched his season-high of 24 points in a win against Cincinnati and followed that with six three-pointers for 23 points against Kansas. Huff recently bounced back with five three-pointers in a win against K-State.

Guard Treysen Eaglestaff

Senior guard Treysen Eaglestaff has been a clutch performer, notably securing a win against Kansas State with an offensive putback and foul with 43 seconds remaining. He has scored in double figures in six of the last seven games and is averaging 10.6 points and a career-best 4.7 rebounds per game.

Center Harlan Obioha

Center Harlan Obioha’s playing time has been limited in recent games due to matchups. He is averaging 6.2 points and a team-best 5.2 rebounds per game. He previously had a strong stretch, producing a season-high 19 points in a win over Pitt.

Forward Brenen Lorient

Forward Brenen Lorient has reached double figures in four of his last six games, most recently recording 15 points against Arizona State. He is averaging 10.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game this season.

Expert Insight: The Mountaineers’ success hinges on maintaining consistent offensive production from players like Huff and Floyd, while Eaglestaff’s recent clutch performances suggest a growing confidence within the team. For Baylor, reversing their Big 12 struggles will require a significant shift in performance, particularly on the road.

Looking Ahead

If West Virginia can secure a win against Baylor, they could further strengthen their position for a top-four seed in the Big 12 Championship. Conversely, a loss could create more competition for those coveted spots. Baylor will likely need to find a consistent offensive rhythm and improve their performance in conference play to avoid continuing their losing streak. A win for Baylor could provide a much-needed boost in morale and momentum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the game start?

The game starts at 4:00 p.m. EST.

Where will the game be played?

The game will be played at the Hope Coliseum.

What is West Virginia’s current record?

West Virginia’s current record is 14-7, with a 5-3 record in the Big 12 Conference.

What impact will this game have on each team’s postseason aspirations?

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