Colgate is the new standard of the Patriot League, but the standard was lower in 2024. That could be bad news as the No. 14 seed in the West Region takes on No. 3 Baylor.
Baylor enters the tournament after a Big 12 semifinal loss to eventual champ Iowa State, but a heater from the Cyclones should not dissuade Bears backers for at least the short term.
Baylor vs Colgate Betting Odds
All odds are courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook as of Mar. 19.
- 🐻 Moneyline: Baylor (-1400), Colgate (+775)
- ☠️ Point Spread: -13.5 (-115), +13.5 (-105)
- 🏀 Total: Over 138.5 (-115), Under 138.5 (-105)
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Baylor vs Colgate Prediction
This game could get ugly in a hurry.
KenPom rated the Patriot League as the 30th-ranked conference in the nation. That is the lowest the conference has ranked since KenPom originated in 1997. The Raiders only lost twice during conference play, which makes sense considering how bad the talent was.
Their excellent record can be dismissed based on their opponents’ lack of talent.
Baylor shot nearly 40% from three, and their offense is among the best and most consistent in the nation. The Bears secured 10 Quad 1 wins and finished third in the gauntlet that is the Big 12. Their record does not indicate how good this team can be.
Baylor vs Colgate Best Bet
Baylor Bears -13.5 Points at BetMGM Sportsbook (-115)
The expectation is that Baylor will run away and hide. It is easy to think that the Bears will have this game covered by halftime and coast to a cover. The Raiders do not have the same talent as recent Colgate tourney teams, and even the previous four squads were 2-2 against the spread in their tourney opener.
Baylor Total Team Points: Over 76.5 at BetMGM Sportsbook (-120)
Baylor ranked 38th in the nation averaging 80.5 points per game this season. As good as the Colgate defense was against their schedule, the Raiders have nothing that can consistently stop/stall the Bears offense.
Baylor should be one of the teams that flirts with the century mark in the Round of 64.
