Baylor Beats Texas Southern 89-63

Baylor took control of the game early and moved to 12-0 with a win over Texas Southern tonight. The Bears won 89-63.

Texas Southern made a few runs in the second half, but the Bears remained comfortably in control. Baylor finished 8 of 14 from three, while Texas Southern was just 5 of 20.

Five Bears reached double figures in scoring. Johnathan Motley, ditching the headband after halftime, finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Jo Lual-Acuil, Al Freeman, Terry Maston and Manu Lecomte also reached double figures in scoring.

King McClure left the game in the first half after landing awkwardly. McClure returned to the game in the first half, but he did not see any action in the second half. Given that, it seems likely holding him out was a sign the team was erring on the side of caution.

Maston had his best game of the season. He nailed shots from 19 feet, which opened up Baylor’s offense. Maston finished with 12 points on six of eight shooting. And he did this:

The Bears only big weakness tonight was their defensive rebounding. Baylor entered the game ranked 150th in defensive rebounding on KenPom. And tonight, the Tigers finished with 14 offensive rebounds. Every team has weaknesses and gives up something by the style they play. Still, Baylor will need to improve on the defensive glass.

But the Bears had plays like this all game:

Baylor completed a perfect non-conference slate (excluding the Big 12-SEC game against Ole Miss in January). Baylor opens Big 12 play against Oklahoma at 6:00 on December 30th. The Sooners made the Final Four last season. They may be playing a Final Four team when the Bears come to town.