As Baylor gears up for its second-round showdown in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, the excitement is palpable. The Bears are set to clash with the Duke Blue Devils at 3 p.m.
CT on Sunday, a game you can catch on ESPN or the Baylor Sports Media Network. This matchup marks the third encounter between these two storied programs, with Baylor having emerged victorious in both previous meetings, including a six-point triumph at the season opener in Paris.
Baylor's journey through NCAA history is rich and storied. Back in 2001, the Bears made their tournament debut in Durham, N.C., facing Arkansas in a tough first-round loss.
Fast forward to today, Baylor sits comfortably at No. 21 in the AP Top 25, a testament to their consistent excellence with 25 consecutive appearances in the poll. This consistency is only bested by UConn nationally over the past two decades.
Defensively, Baylor has been a powerhouse in the Big 12, leading in blocks per game and three-point percentage defense. Their prowess extends to field goal percentage defense and rebounding, where they rank among the top in the conference. This defensive strength has been a cornerstone of their success, helping them amass a 59-20 record in NCAA Tournament play.
Baylor's tournament legacy is impressive, with their first victory coming in 2002 against Bucknell. Since then, they've missed the tournament just once, boasting a 22-year streak of appearances. Their first-round dominance is notable, with 23 straight wins in opening games, a streak that trails only UConn.
In second-round play, Baylor has a solid 16-6 record, though they've faced some challenges under coach Collen, with a 1-3 mark. However, their road performance in the second round remains strong at 8-3, highlighted by a recent victory over Virginia Tech that propelled them to the 2024 Sweet 16.
The Bears' recent victory over Nebraska at Cameron Indoor was a nail-biter. Baylor's resilience shone through as they opened the fourth quarter with a 12-3 run, ultimately securing the win with clutch free throws from Taliah Scott. The team shot an impressive 63.3% in the final quarter, stifling Nebraska's offense to just 33.3%.
Scott was a standout, leading with 15 points and going 9-for-12 from the line. Darianna Littlepage-Buggs was a force on the boards, recording her 14th double-double, while Bella Fontleroy added crucial points and rebounds.
As Baylor prepares to face Duke, fans can expect a battle of grit and determination, with the Bears looking to extend their tournament run and continue their legacy of excellence.