Baylor Bears Secure Victory Against Cincinnati
The No. 15 Baylor Bears secured a hard-fought 76-70 victory against Cincinnati on Wednesday night, showcasing impressive performances on the court. Taliah Scott led the charge for Baylor with an outstanding 26 points, including five crucial three-pointers. Supporting her efforts, Darianna Littlepage-Buggs contributed significantly with a double-double, recording 10 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.
Season Achievements
With this win, Baylor improved to an overall record of 20-4 and a conference record of 9-2 in the Big 12, marking their 26th consecutive season with at least 20 victories. This achievement places them just behind Connecticut for the longest active streak in Division I basketball. Notably, they have been particularly effective on the road, winning 17 out of their last 20 away games dating back to the 2023-24 season.
Game Highlights
The game saw Baylor taking charge in the second quarter, where Scott was instrumental, scoring 11 of the team’s 25 points to help the Bears lead 36-33 at halftime. Following the break, Jana Van Gytenbeek stepped up, matching her career high with 19 points, including a vital three-pointer late in the third quarter that gave Baylor a narrow 56-54 advantage heading into the final stanza.
In the fourth quarter, Scott’s driving layup with under a minute remaining solidified Baylor’s lead at 72-65, and she sealed the game by converting two free throws shortly after. Bella Fontleroy also made her mark on the game with 12 points and 8 rebounds.
Cincinnati’s Performance
The Bearcats of Cincinnati, now standing at 8-15 overall and 3-8 in conference play, were led by Mya Perry who scored 20 points, complemented by Caliyah DeVillasee with 14 points and Joya Crawford who added 11.
Defensive Strength
Baylor’s defense has been a key aspect of their success, having ranked first for defending against three-pointers, limiting opponents to just 22.9% shooting, including 21.8% during Big 12 matchups. Cincinnati, however, managed to shoot 33% from beyond the arc, making 6 out of 18 attempts, and finished with an overall shooting percentage of 43% but committed 13 turnovers.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Baylor will return home to face Arizona State on Saturday, while Cincinnati will travel to Kansas for their next matchup.
