As BYU travels to Foster Pavilion to face Baylor, the stakes are clear: a win would not only boost the Cougars' morale but also strengthen their case for a top-4 seed in the tournament. With a NET ranking of 18, BYU is well-positioned, but a recent three-game losing streak has raised some concerns. Meanwhile, Baylor, sporting a 46 NET ranking, is solidly in the tournament field, but a Quad 1 win over BYU would significantly enhance their resume.
BYU's 4-0 Record in Quad 2 and 3 Games
The Bears, with a 3-8 Quad 1 record, have struggled against top-tier opponents, but their recent form suggests they're capable of pulling off an upset. Baylor's last three games have resulted in a loss, a win, and another win, showcasing their unpredictability. According to the CHD Scout prediction, BYU is favored to win by 2.8 points, with Baylor having a 40.3% chance of taking the game. This narrow margin highlights the competitiveness of the matchup.
CHD Scout Prediction
BYU
80
Baylor
78
Given the CHD Scout prediction and the recent form of both teams, I predict BYU will edge out Baylor by a narrow margin, 80-78. The Cougars' overall strength and ability to bounce back from adversity will likely prove too much for the Bears, despite Baylor's solid tournament positioning.