Mountaineers Face Baylor in Crucial Big 12 Showdown

WACO, Texas — The West Virginia Mountaineers (15-9, 6-7 Big 12) are set to clash with the Baylor Bears (15-9, 7-6 Big 12) on Saturday, February 15, 2025, in a pivotal matchup at Foster Pavilion. Both teams aim to regain momentum in their challenging seasons and secure a better position for the upcoming Big 12 Tournament.

Tip-off is slated for 2:00 p.m. ET, with the game available to viewers on ESPN2, featuring announcers Chance Kempf and King McClure. Fans can listen to the live radio stream with Tony Caridi and Brad Howe, and the Mountaineers Sports Network by Learfield will provide coverage on SiriusXM channel 386.

This evening’s contest carries significant weight, as both teams are striving for positioning within the conference standings. West Virginia, eager to snap a losing streak against Baylor, looks to overcome their recent struggles, including a loss to No. 6 Houston, where Norchad Omier starred with 19 points. Baylor, on the other hand, also seeks to bounce back after their defeat against Houston and capitalize on home-court advantage.

Historically, this rivalry favors Baylor, which leads the series 17-8 since West Virginia joined the Big 12 in 2012. The Bears have won six straight matchups, which include victories in nine of the last ten contests. Their last meeting resulted in a 94-81 victory for Baylor, where they showcased the ability of their deeper bench, with six players reaching double figures.

“We need to focus on our game plan and take control of the tempo,” said Mountaineers’ head coach as the team prepares for the crucial game. “Baylor has a strong offensive presence, and we must secure defensive rebounds to create opportunities.”

West Virginia’s current form has seen them average 69.4 points per game while shooting 43.1% and holding opponents to an average of 64 points. Key player Jazvon Small leads the scoring for the Mountaineers with 18.5 points per game, making him a focal point for Baylor’s defense. “We know we have to contain him if we want a shot at winning,” noted Baylor guard V.J. Edgecombe.

Baylor brings a more potent offense into this matchup, averaging 79.3 points per game with a shooting efficiency of 46.2%. They will rely heavily on Omier, who leads their scoring and rebounding averages at 15.7 PPG and 10.3 RPG, respectively. Moreover, fresh talent such as Edgecombe has emerged, bringing versatility at 15.0 PPG and showcasing his skills both in scoring and playmaking.

The stakes are particularly high in this matchup, as both teams look to solidify their standings leading into the conference tournament. With NCAA Tournament aspirations still within reach for both squads, it is essential to secure each game at this stage of the season.

Fans eager to witness this critical Big 12 contest can tune in at 2:00 PM ET to see who emerges victorious. As the teams step onto the court, determination and strategy will shape the outcome in this match-up that is sure to be electric.