How to Watch Baylor Basketball vs. Minnesota in The Crown Tournament

Here's how you can see the game on Wednesday.

Chris Jones-Imagn Images

While Baylor didn't make the NCAA Tournament, the Bears have a chance to end the season on a high note. Baylor accepted an invitation to play in the College Basketball Crown Tournament, which is held in Las Vegas, Nevada. The tournament is open to eight college basketball teams, and winning games will result in money earned.

The Bears earned a No. 4 seed and Baylor's first game will come later on Wednesday against No. 5 Minnesota. The Gophers, like Baylor, had an up-and-down year. Minnesota beat NCAA Tournament teams like Iowa, Michigan State, and UCLA, but the Gophers had some ugly losses, too, that resulted in a 15-17 record.

Here's how you can see the game on Wednesday, along with a score prediction.

How to watch

• Day: Wednesday, April 1
• When:  9:30 p.m. CT
• TV: FS1
• Announcers: Tim Brando, Jim Jackson
• Radio: Baylor Sports Media Network
• Where: MGM Grand Garden Arena (Las Vegas)

Score prediction

Both teams lost in the first round of their conference tournament. Baylor fell to Arizona State, a game it was expected to win, and Minnesota lost to Rutgers, a team that also made the Crown Tournament.

The Bears appeared to be playing better basketball toward the end of the Big 12 season, having chances to beat both Houston and Arizona, but Baylor struggled to compete for 40 minutes. Having little depth, Baylor had to rely on the same players throughout games, and the Bears would typically allow the opposition to come back and win.

Looking at both Minnesota and Baylor, it's fairly even matched; Baylor's offense is certainly more prolific. But the Gophers' defense is also better and allows fewer points. Both teams play in good conferences and both teams are battle-tested.

Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Like most games for Baylor, it's going to come down to both Cameron Carr and Tounde Yessoufou making enough plays. Toward the end of the season, we saw Isaac Williams emerge, and the Bears can continue to build around him heading into next season, but in this game, the stars have to be stars.

Defending Cade Tyson, who averages over 19 points per game, is also important. Baylor has to stay sound on defense, and don't leave Tyson alone on the pick and roll.

The Bears are the favorites in this game, and after a long break, I'd have to think Scott Drew has his team ready to play. Expect Baylor to come out and ready to make a statement.

Final score: Baylor 84, Minnesota 78