Baylor Bears Aim to Upset Struggling West Virginia Mountaineers

Despite Baylor's 1-7 Big 12 record, West Virginia can't afford to overlook the Bears with their talented roster and experienced coach.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:23am

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West Virginia will host the struggling Baylor Bears on Saturday evening, as the Mountaineers look to improve to 6-3 in Big 12 play. While Baylor's 11-9 (1-7) record may make this game look like an easy win on paper, the Mountaineers can't afford to sleepwalk against the Bears. Baylor has two potential first-round NBA draft talents in guard Cameron Carr and forward Tounde Yessoufou, and the Bears are also a strong offensive rebounding team, which could pose problems for West Virginia's stout defensive rebounding.

Why it matters

This game represents a potential trap game for West Virginia, as the Mountaineers could overlook the struggling Bears. However, Baylor's talented roster and experienced head coach Scott Drew mean West Virginia will need to bring its A-game to avoid an upset. A loss would be a significant setback for the Mountaineers' Big 12 title hopes.

The details

Baylor guard Cameron Carr is having a standout sophomore season, averaging 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 0.9 steals per game while shooting 52% from the field, 40% from three-point range, and 77% from the free-throw line. Forward Tounde Yessoufou is also a potential first-round NBA draft pick, averaging 17.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. As a team, Baylor ranks 31st nationally in offensive rebounding, grabbing 13.4 per game, which could give them second-chance opportunities against West Virginia's stout defensive rebounding.

  • The game will be played on Saturday evening.

The players

Cameron Carr

A long, lanky sophomore guard for Baylor who has become one of the better players in the Big 12. He can score at all three levels and is also an effective rebounder and defensive playmaker.

Tounde Yessoufou

A Baylor forward who was projected as a potential lottery pick before the season and is now seen as an early-to-mid first-round NBA draft prospect. He's averaging 17.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.

Scott Drew

The head coach of the Baylor Bears, who is considered a future Hall of Famer. His teams have always been strong on the glass, particularly on the offensive end, which could pose problems for West Virginia.

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The takeaway

This game highlights the challenges West Virginia faces in the competitive Big 12 conference, where no opponent can be overlooked, even a struggling team like Baylor. The Mountaineers will need to bring their full focus and effort to avoid an upset and keep their conference title hopes alive.