Baylor Downs McNeese State, 80-39

Eleven Baylor players got to see the court tonight, and all eleven scored as the Bears whooped the McNeese State Cowboys 80-39. I had work until late this evening and didn't get to watch 85% of the game, but I got home as soon as I could to see the bench get some time, which was kind of fun to see.

First off, and most importantly: the man, the myth, the beast himself, DENG DENG lived up to his hype. He ended with 16 points and a couple boards. DENG DENG was every bit as aggressive as we could've hoped. I'll be the first to say he had a DENG good game.

Deng Deng. #SicEm pic.twitter.com/yc2FzJvoLl

— Baylor Basketball (@BaylorMBB) November 15, 2014

Rico Gathers and Kenny Chery looked like the veterans we'll need them to be this season. Rico was physical in the paint and was hungry for rebounds. Chery's passes were on point and, as PocketChange and I made very clear in our previews, the guy can score.

Overall, like I said, I didn't get to visually see most of the game, but I followed it on Twitter from the workplace and everything I saw, I was pleased with. From what I DID see, the passing looked great. The guys looked far more formed than sloppy and I cannot stress how impressed I am. Tonight could've gone a lot worse. Iowa State beat Oakland by eleven points, so I'll gladly take this win. Essentially, Baylor looked as good as they could've for a team playing its first game together.

One of the commentators calling the game, I can't remember who, made a good point during the second half: Baylor looked great offensively against McNeese's zone defensive scheme, but South Carolina, our next opponent, is going to bring a complete man-to-man, so it will definitely be a bit of a shift. I think the team blended the best it could tonight and I have no complaints.

Lastly, I want to give a shoutout to the students. Crazy noise and energy throughout the night, and we could hear it through our TVs. Fantastic job coming out and supporting the team. The team is now 1-0 on the season, so let's go #SicSC on Tuesday night.

Since I didn't get to watch this game for the most part and have just about nothing left valuable to contribute, here are the five best tweets of the night.

5.

It's the dawn of a new basketball season at BAYLOR! We open 2night v McNeese St. at Ferrell Center 8:30. #BeBearAware pic.twitter.com/tc7JVdCWTd

— Paul Mills (@CoachMills) November 14, 2014

Not technically from TONIGHT, but this tweet deserves some love. So much sic' em.

4. ALL THE DENG DENG PUNS

Deeeng that was fun! Love hoops MT @BaylorMBB: Deng finishes w/ 16 pts to lead BU to victory in season opener. #SicEm pic.twitter.com/7UBoafNWRf

— Zach Peters (@ZRP_23) November 15, 2014

Baylor needs to pick one deng gold color. Looks crappy using two different golds on the baseline of the new court, the jerseys, etc., etc.

— Bryce Dolan (@BryceDolan) November 15, 2014

This one wasn't even intentional, but I guess the guy has a point,

Gosh Deng

— TeamFreakyLeg! 61-58 (@Oakman_Rules) November 15, 2014

Deng Deng, the name so nice they named him twice, is named the game's Player of the Game. Had several monster slams and leads team with 14.

— McNeese Basketball (@McNeeseMBB) November 15, 2014

3.

At separate times we've chanted "61-58" and "Gary sucks" so yeah, TCU, I think you achieved your dream of getting someone to hate you.

— Conner Morris (@ConnerSaurusRex) November 15, 2014

2.

You can tell me @BUDREW didn't set up a cloning facility for diminutive JUCO PGs a little over two decades ago, but I won't believe you.

— OurDailyBears (@OurDailyBears) November 15, 2014

1.

That 61 looks familiar... pic.twitter.com/Bq7H3ZjoQK

— Brian Ethridge (@TruthOrBear247) November 15, 2014