Baylor Bears Set for Big 12 Tournament Clash with Arizona State
The stage is set at the T-Mobile Center as the No. 13 seed Baylor Bears gear up to face No. 12 Arizona State in the opening game of the Phillips 66 Big 12 Tournament. With the game airing on ESPN+, fans are eager to see if Baylor can make a deep run, something they haven't achieved since their last Championship appearance in 2014.
Game Highlights and Team Performance
Baylor comes into this matchup with some momentum, having won three of their last five regular-season games. The Bears have a solid record when playing Arizona State in neutral settings, boasting a 3-1 advantage. However, their overall record in Kansas City at the Big 12 tournament stands at 15-23, and 11-17 under the guidance of head coach Scott Drew.
Drew, who recently celebrated his 500th career win, is one of the youngest coaches to reach this milestone, standing alongside Bart Lundy and Mick Cronin. His leadership will be crucial as Baylor navigates the challenges of March, a month where they've posted a 64-58 record during his tenure.
Strength of Schedule and Player Performances
Baylor's challenging path is underscored by their No. 2 ranking in opponent defensive strength of schedule, according to KenPom. Their overall schedule strength is 13th nationally, and 4th in the Big 12. This tough competition has sharpened the Bears, who ended the regular season shooting an impressive 51.4% from the field in their last five games, a significant improvement from earlier in the season.
Key to Baylor's success has been the dynamic duo of Cameron Carr and Tounde Yessoufou. Together, they've amassed 1,145 points, becoming the first Baylor pair to each score over 500 points in a season since the 2009-10 campaign. Carr’s 588 points set a new benchmark for a Baylor player in their first year since Vinnie Johnson.
Yessoufou's impact has been profound, earning him Big 12 Co-Player of the Week honors after standout performances against Houston and Utah. His first career double-double at Houston and his defensive prowess, highlighted by a career-high six steals against Utah, have been pivotal.
Defensive Standouts and Offensive Efficiency
Isaac Williams IV has been a defensive force, leading players 6'1" or shorter nationally in blocks with 16 this season. His contributions, along with his 11.8 points per game and 5.4 assists, have been vital for the Bears’ efficiency. Against Utah, Baylor’s offense was firing on all cylinders, scoring 101 points and committing only three turnovers, a testament to their discipline and execution.
As Baylor steps onto the court against Arizona State, fans can expect a thrilling contest. With a blend of seasoned leadership, dynamic scoring, and a tough schedule under their belt, the Bears are poised to make their mark in the Big 12 Tournament.