Preview: Norfolk State Spartans at No. -- Baylor Bears WACO, Texas (Interstat) — The Baylor Bears look to rebound from their first loss in nearly a month when they host the Norfolk State Spartans in a nonconference men’s basketball matchup Wednesday afternoon at the Ferrell Center. Baylor (6-2) saw its four-game winning streak snapped with a 78-71 road loss at Memphis on Saturday. The Bears had previously averaged 99 points per game during their streak, which included a 110-88 rout of Sacramento State and a road win at San Diego State. A key to Baylor’s high-powered offense is sophomore forward Tounde Yessoufou, who is coming off a 22-point performance against Memphis. Over his last five games, Yessoufou is averaging 18.6 points, showcasing his ability to score consistently against high-major competition. Norfolk State (4-6) arrives in Waco seeking consistency after a narrow 68-67 loss at James Madison last Saturday. The Spartans have struggled on the road this season, with all six of their losses coming away from home, including defeats at Arizona, Wyoming and Old Dominion. The Spartans will rely on forward Devon Ellis, who posted 17 points and eight rebounds in the close loss to James Madison. Ellis has been a bright spot, scoring 20 points in a blowout win over Virginia-Lynchburg on Nov. 25, but Norfolk State has found points harder to come by against stronger competition. Historically, this game represents a significant challenge for the Spartans, a perennial Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference contender, against a Baylor program that won the national championship in 2021 and is again building toward March. The Bears have been dominant at home, winning by an average of 22.3 points in their three games in Waco this season. For Norfolk State, containing Baylor’s offensive rhythm and finding scoring beyond Ellis will be critical. The Spartans have been held under 70 points in five of their six losses. Baylor will look to tighten its defense after allowing Memphis to shoot 50% from the field, while aiming to re-establish its offensive flow before entering a tough Big 12 conference slate next month. Wednesday’s game is the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Following this contest, Baylor will host Alcorn State on Friday, while Norfolk State continues a lengthy road stretch at UTEP on Dec. 21. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.