Cincinnati vs Baylor Picks and Prediction – 1/8/2025

The No. 16 Cincinnati Bearcats (10-3, 0-2 Big 12) head to Waco, Texas, to face the No. 25 Baylor Bears (9-4, 1-1 Big 12) on January 7, at 7:00 PM ET. Cincinnati is coming off back-to-back close losses, while Baylor looks to bounce back after a lopsided defeat at Iowa State. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Cincinnati averages 77.5 points per game, shooting 47.8% from the field. Simas Lukosius leads the team with 13.6 points per game, shooting 46.3% from the field and 85.0% from the free-throw line. Dillon Mitchell contributes 7.7 rebounds per game, while Jizzle James leads with 5.1 assists. The Bearcats also average 38.5 rebounds, 15.8 assists, and 7.2 steals per game, showing strength in ball movement and defense.

Defensively, Cincinnati allows only 60.5 points per game, anchored by Dillon Mitchell’s 1.8 steals and Aziz Bandaogo’s 1.8 blocks per game. Despite solid defensive stats, they have struggled in conference play, losing close contests to Kansas State and Arizona. The Bearcats’ defense must step up to slow down Baylor’s high-scoring attack to avoid extending the losing streak.

Baylor boasts an explosive offense, scoring 84.0 points per game on 47.0% shooting. Norchad Omier leads with 15.5 points per game, shooting an efficient 59.0% from the field, while also dominating the boards with 10.8 rebounds per game. Robert Wright III orchestrates the offense with 5.1 assists, supported by VJ Edgecombe’s defensive play with 2.6 steals.

Defensively, Baylor allows 68.9 points per game and relies heavily on Edgecombe, who averages 1.1 blocks. Despite defensive lapses, Baylor’s offensive firepower can make up for shortcomings. However, the recent blowout loss to Iowa State raises concerns about defensive consistency, especially against Cincinnati’s balanced attack.

Baylor’s offensive efficiency, combined with strong rebounding and playmaking, gives them the edge in this matchup. Cincinnati’s defense is solid, but Baylor’s ability to score in bunches at home should prove too much to handle. Look for Baylor to bounce back and defend its home court. Final Score Prediction: Baylor Bears wins and covers 81-74.