The No. 25 Baylor Bears opened Big 12 basketball play with a commanding 81-56 victory over the Utah Utes on December 31, 2024. V.J. Edgecombe was a standout player, scoring 19 points and showcasing his skills both on and off the ball. The game saw Baylor lead throughout, as they established dominance early and maintained control to secure their first win of the conference season. Edgecombe’s performance was instrumental in keeping the Utes at bay, as Utah struggled to regain momentum after a slow start. Notably, Baylor’s defensive efforts restricted Utah to 35.6% shooting from the field. Coach Scott Drew praised his team’s defensive strategy, stating, ‘Our guys executed the game plan well and were active on both ends of the floor.’ The Bears will look to carry this momentum into their next games, aiming for another strong season in the Big 12. This victory not only marks an auspicious start for Baylor but also highlights Utah’s need for adjustments as they head into their following matchups.
