Colgate and Baylor go at it in Friday’s early slot in a battle between two teams that have had very good seasons. Colgate is a strong 25-9 side and Baylor, who won it all in 2021, finished 23-10. That said, given the Big 12’s weight in importance, Baylor are the higher ranked side in this instance.

To that point, the March Madness odds believe the 2021 champs will handle their business with relative ease. Baylor is pegged as a -13.5 favourite.

Colgate Raiders vs. Baylor Bears NCAA Tournament Point Spread and Betting

This is yet another original March Madness, with no history to speak of between Colgate and Baylor.

For the Raiders, the task at hand is both simple and complicated. Just win a game. Why? Because the Raiders have never made it out of the tournament’s first round in their six participations, most notably the four most recent editions. They do play heavy opponents every time, but one of these days they should win one! While performances against the spread were nothing to write home about (16-13-1), one stat to keep in mind is the over-under. The under had a decided advantage this season, going 19-10-1.

The Baylor Bears still have a glow about them from the 2021 championship run, but more recent performances haven’t been up to par. The school was eliminated in the second round in both 2022 and 2023. They haven’t made it to the Sweet Sixteen since 2017. While performances against the spread were decent this season at 17-10-3, it’s been a bit tougher lately. Baylor has only covered three of its eight most recent opportunities.

Colgate Raiders (14)

The Raiders manhandled the Patriot Conference in 2023-24, finishing with a 16-2 record. Even the division final was academic as Colgate mopped the court with Lehigh, 74-55. Baylor will be a completely different challenge.

Colgate had the best defence in the conference, giving up only 63.2 points a game, and they’ll need that stout play in this first-round match. No one on the roster plays lights out offence, but production is evenly distributed. Guard Braeden Smith is the main man, netting an average of 12.5 points and a healthy 5.8 assists, not to mention 5.5 boards. Not far behind him is Keegan Records’ 10.9 points and 6.3 balls off the glass. Ryan Moffatt also reaches just over 10 points with 10.4.

Baylor Bears (3)

Interestingly, the Bears did most of their damage outside of the Big 12 this season. Within the conference, they only went 11-7, far behind the Houston Cougars at 15-3.

Most expect that Baylor’s attack, which puts up 80.5, should be able to out-dual Colgate’s solid defence. Any team that can hit 48.3 per cent of its shots is in the driver’s seat to cause maximum damage. What’s more, they can attack with tons of talented players. No fewer than six Bears hit double digits this season: Ja’Kobe Walter (14.2), RayJ Dennis (13.3), Jalen Bridges (11.9), Yves Missi (11.1), Langston Love (11.0), and Jayden Nunn (10.6). This is definitely a side that can make sure an opposing defence has its hands full.

Who Will Win Raiders vs. Bears?

RAIDERS

Away

66

BEARS

Home

78

Score
Predictions

Matchup