Why did VJ Edgecombe not play vs Dan Hurley's UConn? Injury update on Baylor star (Dec 4)

The No. 15 Baylor Bears faced the No. 25 UConn Huskies on Wednesday night without one of their key stars. VJ Edgecombe missed the showdown at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion due to a lingering hamstring injury.

Head coach Scott Drew of the Baylor Bears talks to VJ Edgecombe (#7) during the first half against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Foster Pavilion on November 12, 2024 in Waco, Texas. Photo: Getty

Edgecombe sustained the injury during Baylor's game against New Orleans. He logged just 11 minutes in that contest, finishing with two points and two rebounds. Edgecombe didn't see action in the second half as the Bears cruised to a 91-60 win over the Privateers.

Baylor coach Scott Drew announced after that game that Edgecombe was held out as a precaution due to tightness in his hamstring. He still wasn't ready to go against Dan Hurley's UConn despite Baylor enjoying a one-week break following the win over New Orleans.

Baylor Bears missed VJ Edgecombe in loss to UConn Huskies

Edgecombe has been a vital cog for the Bears this season, averaging 11.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists through seven games. Defensively, he has been impactful, averaging 2.1 steals and 1.6 blocks per game.

Baylor Bears guard VJ Edgecombe (7) dunks the ball ahead of Sam Houston State Bearkats guard Marcus Boykin (5) during the second half of their NCAA game. Photo: Imagn

The Huskies also dealt with injury concerns heading into the clash against the Bears. Alex Karaban missed his second consecutive game for UConn due to a concussion he suffered in the showdown against Dayton at the Maui Invitational.

UConn overcame Karaban's absence, recording a 76-72 win over Baylor. Three players scored in double figures for the Huskies, who improved their record to 6-3. Liam McNeeley led the way for UConn with 17 points on 5-for-13 shooting, with Samson Johnson and Solo Ball contributing 13 and 11 points, respectively.

The win didn't come easy against the Bears, who led by as much as 11 points in the first half. Robert Wright III starred for Baylor off the bench, scoring 22 points and dishing out four assists in a losing effort. He shot 9-for-14 and made three of his five free throw attempts.

Starters Langston Love and Norchad Omier also delivered for the Bears, who dropped to 5-3 with the loss. Love scored 16 points on 6-of-12 shooting while Omier recorded 14 points and seven rebounds. The Bears will next face the Abilene Christian Wildcats at home on Monday.