With a showdown in Lawrence looming Monday night between #4 Baylor and #10 Kansas, there was some concern as to whether Baylor would be focused against a solid Oklahoma State team. Those concerns were put to bed early in the first half. Baylor held an early lead 21-18 against OSU. But then used a balanced attack to go on a 25-11 run to put distance from OSU that would just increase as the game carried on. Baylor held a 46-31 lead at the break.
The second half was blowout city as Baylor outscored OSU 60-34. Before the game I had four keys for the Bears:
1. Outrebound OSU by at least 10- check. They won the battle of the boards 48-25.
2. I thought Baylor needed to win the free throw attempt battle to show themselves to be the more aggressive team- no check. However, Baylor had 23 free throw attempts to OSU's 14 after Deuce Bello made two to put the Bears up 83-51. OSU got 10 free throw attempts in the final 5 minutes to give them the free throw attempt edge 24-23.
3. Win the turnover battle- check. OSU turned it over 19 times to Baylor's 14 turnovers.
4. I thought Baylor had to take Keiton Page out of the game- check. Page was 3-11 and only 2-8 from 3.
Some stats from the game:
1. Assists- 25 for Baylor and only 9 for OSU. Jackson, Heslip and Walton combined for 15 assists.
2. Great shooting numbers for offense and defense- Baylor was 36-68 from the field (53%). They were 15-28 from 3 point range (54%). The free throws also outstanding 19-23 (83%). Quincy Acy continues to improve his percentage- he went 8-8.
Meanwhile the Bears hold OSU to 39% from the field (21-54). And only 26% from 3 (5-19).
Next up a colossal match-up in one of the toughest arenas in the country.
- Ashley Hodge
- Baylor Insider - BearsTruth