Baylor vs. Colgate: NCAA Tournament Preview and Prediction
Here is everything you need to know about Baylor and Colgate in our Bears vs. Raiders NCAA Tournament first-round preview.
NO. 3 BAYLOR (23-9) VS. NO. 14 COLGATE (25-9)
Time, TV: 11:40 a.m. CT Friday, March 22, TruTV, NCAA March Madness Live
Location: FedExForum, Memphis, TN
All-time series: First meeting between programs
Winner: Advances to the Round of 32 on Sunday to take on the winner of No. 6 Clemson and No. 11 New Mexico.
PROJECTED STARTING LINEUPS
Baylor: C Yves Missi, F Jalen Bridges, G Ja’Kobe Walter, G Jayden Nunn, G RayJ Dennis
Colgate: F Keegan Records, F Ryan Moffatt, G Jalen Cox, G Braeden Smith, G Brady Cummins
PLAYERS TO WATCH
BAYLOR
G RayJ Dennis
Baylor guard RayJ Dennis was one of the highest profile transfers of the offseason heading into the 2023-24 season and he has lived up to his hype coming from Toledo. The senior guard is seventh in the country in assists per game with 6.8, and also adds some impressive scoring numbers. Dennis is averaging 13.3 points and 3.8 rebounds per game on 48.1% shooting from the field. Dennis has been a big factor in Baylor’s success this season and would likely be a major part of a deep tournament run with Baylor.
COLGATE
G Braeden Smith
Sophomore guard Braeden Smith is a bit of a jack of all trades for the Raiders and could complicate things for Baylor’s defense. Smith is averaging 12.5 points, 5.8 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game as a 6-foot guard. The Washington native leads his team in multiple statistical categories including points, assists, and steals. The matchup between Smith and Baylor’s talented guards will be something to watch on Friday.
KEY STORYLINES
BAYLOR
What is the health status of Langston Love? Love last took the court in limited minutes against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on March 9th after missing the previous three weeks with an ankle injury. Reports have confirmed that Love’s status for Friday’s game will be evaluated through practice, and if he’s able to go, Baylor will have regained a major piece of their offense for the tournament.
COLGATE
Can Colgate get into the win column in March Madness? Colgate has done exceptionally well in the blank conference to earn five straight bids to the NCAA Tournament, but that being said, the team is winless in the Big Dance. Colgate has been to the NCAA Tournament seven times in program history and has yet to advance to the Round of 32. While the Raiders have an uphill battle on their plate in order to advance, could this team make history?
PREDICTION
Baylor 76, Colgate 63. Unfortunately for fans of the Raiders, Colgate will drop to 0-7 in March Madess play. With or without Langston Love, Baylor’s offense will prove to be too much for Colgate as the Bears advance to the Round of 32.
