The Utah Runnin’ Utes (8-3) travel to face off against the Baylor Bears (7-3) on Tuesday, December 31st. This game will be played at Foster Pavilion in Waco and televised on ESPN+. Baylor is coming off a win in their previous game, while Utah is looking to get back on track from a loss to the Iowa. Tip-off is set for 2:00 ET.

Utah Runnin’ Utes vs Baylor Bears

The Runnin’ Utes Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Utah Runnin’ Utes Recent Game/Games

Utah’s record dropped to 8-3 after a 95-88 loss to Iowa on Saturday. The Utes, who were +1.5 point underdogs, didn’t cover the spread. The game’s total points of 183 went over the pre-game line of 163.5.

Utah led 40-36 at halftime but allowed 59 points in the second half while scoring 48. Defensive lapses in the second half were a key factor in the loss.

The Bears Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Baylor Bears Recent Game/Games

The Bears improved to 7-3 on the season with a 94-69 win over Norfolk State on Wednesday. Baylor was a heavy favorite at -25.5 points, but they didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 163, surpassing the over/under line of 145.

Baylor led 39-33 at halftime and pulled away in the second half, outscoring the Spartans 55-36 after the break.

Runnin’ Utes Offense Breakdown

Utah’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 88 points and shooting 51.5% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 55.9%, with strong two-point shooting at 59.6% (28/47). From beyond the arc, they hit 33.3% of their attempts, going 7/21.

Lawson Lovering was a force inside, shooting 78.6% (11/14) and finishing with 25 points. Mason Madsen and Payton Sandfort each added 24 points, with Madsen hitting 6 threes at a 54.5% clip. The Utes also dished out 24 assists and grabbed 10 offensive rebounds.

Bears Offense Breakdown

Baylor’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their latest game, putting up 94 points with a field goal percentage of 55.4%. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 61.5%, thanks in large part to their 69.2% shooting on two-pointers. From beyond the arc, they hit 9 of 26 attempts, good for 34.6%.

Robert O. Wright III dished out 13 assists, while also scoring 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including 2-of-4 from three. Norchad Omier also shot 7-of-10, finishing with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Baylor recorded 25 assists as a team, with 12 offensive rebounds to help extend possessions.

Runnin’ Utes Team Defense

Utah’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 95 points on 53% shooting from the field. They allowed the opposing team to hit 56% of their two-point attempts, going 25/44.

From beyond the arc, Utah’s defense conceded 9 threes on 20 attempts, a 45% shooting rate. They also sent the other team to the line 24 times, where they made 18 free throws, shooting 75%. Utah allowed 8 offensive rebounds.

Bears Team Defense

Utah’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 95 points on 53% shooting from the field. They allowed the opposing team to hit 56% of their two-point attempts, going 25/44.

From beyond the arc, Utah’s opponents shot 45%, making 9 of 20 three-point attempts. They also sent them to the line 24 times, where they converted 18 free throws for 75%.

Runnin’ Utes vs Bears Trends

• Across the Runnin’ Utes last ten road games, the team averaged 73 points per game while allowing 78. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 4-6, while going 2-8 straight-up.
• Across the Bears last three home games, the team averaged 77 points per game while allowing 83. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 0-3, while going 1-2 straight-up.
• Looking back on the team’s last ten games as the underdog, the Runnin’ Utes have a straight up record of 1-9. Their record vs the spread in these games was 3-7.
• Looking back on the team’s last ten games as the favorite, the Bears have a straight up record of 9-1. Their record vs the spread in these games was 6-4.

Runnin’ Utes vs Bears Prediction

For a point-spread bet in this Bears vs. Bears matchup, we’re leaning towards the Bears at -11.5. Although our projections show the Bears winning 78-69, we suggest placing your bet on the Runnin’ Utes for the point-spread.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 152.5, and our model projects the Runnin’ Utes and Bears to reach a combined total of 147 points. Our bet is on taking the under.

---

All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

---

* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.