WACO, TX – The Baylor Bears still remain in contention for the Big 12 regular-season title after narrowly escaping in overtime against the Texas Tech Red Raiders, 71-68.
Prior to the game, Senior Night festivities occurred, as a feel-good story, Freddie Gillespie and Devonte Bandoo were celebrated as well as Okim Okeke. The latter two played pivotal roles in the Bears victory, with Gillespie grabbing 10 rebounds 2 blocks and 3 steals, and Bandoo leading the #3 team in the country with 18 points, shooting 4/5 from beyond the arc. Jared Butler and Macio Teague also made important contributions for the home Bears, with Butler scoring 17 and Teague 14. In a losing effort, the Red Raiders were led by Kevin McCullar and Jahmius Ramsey, scoring 13 points apiece. Virginia Tech transfer Chris Clarke was the go to playmaker down the stretch for Chris Beard’s team, finishing 6 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.
After the game, Bears Head Coach Scott Drew spoke about his team’s effort on Senior Night and the importance of winning this game of all games. “As a head coach, one thing you always want to do is to send out the seniors in a good manner and the right way. Last year we had a good year but we didn’t send the seniors out a good way, and you really want to win this game so they have a great memory to go back to.”
The Bears do not control their own destiny for the Big 12 regular-season title, but with some help from TCU or Texas Tech against Kansas, the award could be won. However, it is almost certain that Drew’s team controls it’s own destiny for a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament and will look to continue to impress the selection committee this Saturday against West Virginia. The Red Raiders are currently in the field of 68, but could certainly help its seeding position with a win against #1 Kansas on Saturday in Lubbock.
Bracketology Effect: Baylor remains a number one seed in the South Region, while Texas Tech drops from the 10 spot in the West to the 11 in the South.
Betting Effect: Covered: TTU +7, Over 130