Colgate Raiders (25-9) vs. Baylor Bears (23-10)
Colgate Raiders vs. Baylor Bears 3/22/24 – As we dive deep into the heart of March Madness, the Colgate Raiders and Baylor Bears are set to clash in what promises to be an electrifying showdown. Both teams have had impressive seasons, with the Raiders boasting a 25-9 record and the Bears not far behind at 23-10. Scheduled for Friday, this matchup is one of the most anticipated in the NCAA tournament. Fans and bettors alike are on the lookout for the best March Madness picks and previews, as both teams aim to continue their journey in the tournament.
The Colgate Raiders have demonstrated great balance in their offensive and defensive play, recording a remarkable season. The team has been able to achieve an average of 71.5 points per game with a 47% field goal rate and has demonstrated their offensive efficiency. Their defense is capable not only to confound the opponent but it will also secure the win even in the tightest situations. The strength of the team in terms of its ability to cope with pressure and perform when it matters have given the team its edge in the current season.
However, it goes without saying, the Baylor Bears have been at par with their offensive prowess. With an average of 80.5 points during the game with 48.3% field goal percent, the Bears have shown that they can outrun any opponent’s scoring. Their percentage of 3-point shooting is excellent at 38.8% making them rather serious counterparts be it on long range shots. Baylor’s defense may not be as strong as the offense but enough to support their amazing winning spree.
Colgate Raiders vs. Baylor Bears 3/22/24 Game Info
| When: | Friday, March 22, 2024, at 12:40 PM ET |
| Where: | FedExForum |
| TV: | TRU |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Braeden Smith (Guard) vs. Ja’Kobe Walter (Guard)
Braeden Smith, a guard for the Colgate Raiders, has shown extraordinary performance this season, becoming a major contributor to the team’s achievements. At 12.5 points (on average), 5.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists, Smith’s contributions have been well-rounded. On top of his on-court leadership and the ability to steal the ball 4.2 times per game, the latter makes him a defensive asset as well.
The same goes for the Baylor Bears’ Ja’Kobe Walter, who has played a massive role by averaging 14.2 points per game. The fact that Walter hits a free-throw line with 81.5% accuracy proves his skillfulness and supports Baylor to take the advantage and win the game. Although his assist numbers are lower, he gets to score more as a scoring guard, so put points on the board.
When Smith and Walter face each other on the court, it will mean that two elite guards, capable of swinging the whole game, are on the court. What is implied by Smith’s playmaking and defensive skills compared to Walter’s scoring abilities and efficiency at the line will be the determinants. That may turn out to be the determining factor on speed and outcome of the game.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: Baylor Bears -1300, Total Odds: 139
The betting odds suggest a significant advantage for the Baylor Bears, reflected in their -1300 moneyline. The point spread set at -13.5 for Baylor indicates expectations for a relatively comfortable win. However, the Colgate Raiders’ recent form and the unpredictable nature of March Madness mean that surprises are always possible.
Colgate Raiders Betting Trends
In their last 5 games, the Raiders have been victorious. On the other hand, they have shown very indifferent play on the spread, having a record of 2 wins and 3 losses in their last 5 games. The road games against the spread in which they have been equal shows their inconsistencies in the performances during the away games. Totals have gone OVER only 1 out of the last 5 games of Colgate. Indicating thus a possibility of lower score lines than the lines might suggest.
Baylor Bears Betting Trends
Baylor Bears were quite successful, with a record of 3-2 in their past five games. The look of the team in person almost matches up to what we see on paper both good and bad, they are 7-7 ATS. While the totals have gone OVER in three out of the last five games, this indicates that their games usually end with more points scored, mostly due to their powerful offence.
Colgate Raiders vs. Baylor Bears 3/22/24 Betting Picks
When analyzing the betting trends, this game is definitely a really competitive one. Of course, the Baylor Bears are heavy favorites but the Colgate Raiders have proven to be resilient and can spring astonishing surprises. Ultimately it will be about whether Colgate can sluggish down Baylor’s offense and keep the game in the reach.
It might look overwhelming in the first place, but knowing Colgate’s latest performance, they could manage. It may be worth betting on the Raiders to beat the spread, knowing that they usually make games contested. In expert premium picks, with both teams’ rapacious scoring or momentous tied games, the total could go either way.
Free Pick and Prediction: Baylor Bears 75, Colgate Raiders 65.