Baylor vs Oklahoma State Odds, Picks: Cowboys to Get Resume-Booster

Baylor vs Oklahoma State Odds

Monday, Feb. 27

9 p.m. ET

ESPN

Baylor Odds
Spread	Total	Moneyline
PK -110	141.5 -110o / -110u	-110

Oklahoma State Odds
Spread	Total	Moneyline
PK -110	141.5 -110o / -110u	-110

Odds via DraftKings. Get up-to-the-minute college basketball odds here.

If there is any indicator of how competitive this Big-12 has been, it is this matchup between third-place Baylor and fifth-place Oklahoma State. Although the teams are only separated by three games in conference play, the Bears are widely projected as a two-seed, while the Cowboys sit on the 11-line.

This difference in seed projections is the result of Baylor having a 10-8 record against Quad 1 opponents while the Cowboys have just five wins in their 15 Quad 1 opportunities.

Monday night's matchup will be a get-right spot for an Oklahoma State team that has lost four straight after winning five in a row in conference play.

On the other side, Baylor will be looking to keep its momentum going after defeating Texas 81-72 despite losing star freshman Keyonte George to injury and trailing 18-4 in the first half.

To pick which team will leave Stillwater with a victory, let's take a look at the odds and make a prediction for Baylor vs. Oklahoma State.

Baylor Bears

Baylor was able to bounce-back from back-to-back losses and get revenge against Texas on Saturday afternoon in a balanced performance on both ends of the floor.

Offensively, the Bears were without George, their leading scorer, after he suffered an ankle injury early in the first half. George has since been ruled out for Baylor's clash with the Cowboys on Monday night.

In George's absence, the Bears had Dale Bonner step up off the bench. Although Bonner only plays 37% of the Bears' total minutes, he posted a season high 13 points to go with four assists and two steals.

It is no secret Baylor's success has been tied to its offensive success. The Bears rank second nationally in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency and are scoring 78.1 points per game.

This high-level offensive play starts with Baylor's ability to score from the perimeter. The Bears rank seventh nationally in 3-point percentage vs. the average opponent as 36.4% of their total points come from beyond the arc.

This dependence on outside shooting to jumpstart their offense will be tested against an Oklahoma State defense that is skilled at guarding the perimeter. The Cowboys ranks 36th nationally in 3-point percentage allowed, giving up just 29.7% of their points from 3-point range.

Although Baylor was able to impose the "next-man-up" mentality against Texas on Saturday, George's absence will be critical against Oklahoma State's perimeter defense as George leads the Bears with 72 made 3s.

Without George, look for Oklahoma State to make perimeter defense a priority.

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Oklahoma State Cowboys

For Mike Boynton's Oklahoma State Cowboys, this is a crucial opportunity to protect their NCAA Tournament status going into the Big-12 tournament.

Additionally, Oklahoma State will be looking for its first win since it took down Iowa State on Feb. 11th.

Throughout its 2022-23 campaign, Oklahoma State has relied on its defense to make up for shortcoming on the offensive end. In addition to their perimeter defense, the Cowboys have also been effective at protecting the rim. Oklahoma State ranks inside the top 40 in Mid-Range and Near-Proximity Field Goal Percentage allowed, according to Haslametrics.

This ability to defend the interior will be critical against a Baylor offense that has matched its perimeter shooting with an ability to create second chances on the glass. The Bears rank 14th nationally in offensive rebounding percentage (35.4%).

On the offensive end, Oklahoma State should see some outside shooting progression against a Baylor defense allowing its opponents to attempt 37.7% of their shots from 3-point range. This uptick in looks from outside will be critical for a Cowboys team scoring just 29.6% of its points from deep.

Baylor vs Oklahoma State Betting Pick

Although Baylor is coming off an awfully impressive win without its leading scorer, it must now go on the road and face a stout Oklahoma State defense that is desperate for a win.

Look for Boynton's squad to prioritize perimeter defense an force Baylor to creating offense on the interior, an area in which it ranks 356th nationally.

I predict the Cowboys to get a resume-boosting win on their home floor.

Pick: Oklahoma State +1.5 (Play to PK)

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