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| No. 23/21 Baylor (9-2) vs. Texas Southern (1-10) Dec. 29, 2015 | 2:00 p.m. CT Waco, Texas | Ferrell Center (10,284) TV: ESPNU and WatchESPN Radio: ESPN Central Texas |
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Need a nice, gentle lead-in to this afternoon's Russell Athletic Bowl? Well, Baylor men's basketball has a cupcake game for you!
In the Bears' last game against New Mexico State, Taurean Prince put on a scoring bonanza with 34 points, putting his head down and getting to the basket with regularity. Lester Medford neared his career high in assists with 13 while also tallying double figure scoring with 10 points. Ish Wainright scored 14 to be Baylor's second leading scorer in the game.
Today, look for the action to be in the paint for both teams. Two of Texas Southern's leading scorers are in the front court in freshman Derrick Griffin and senior Chris Thomas. The Tigers' leading scorer, Malcolm Riley, can stretch out to the three point line.
For Baylor, Rico Gathers and Johnathan Motley should be able to find their rhythm dominating the glass on both ends and scoring near the rim. Texas Southern's roster doesn't feature a player over 6-7. Even though the Tigers have been a competent enough rebounding team this season, they haven't encountered a rebounder like Gathers yet. The attention he will draw on the glass could free up players like Prince and Wainright for extra rebounds.
Baylor ought to win this game. Let's hope they do!