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Baylor Basketball: 2019-20 keys for Bears to defeat Villanova

By Tristan Freeman

LUBBOCK, TX - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Scott Drew of the Baylor Bears talks to his players at a time out during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on December 29, 2017 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Baylor 77-53. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Scott Drew of the Baylor Bears talks to his players at a time out during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on December 29, 2017 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Baylor 77-53. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 28: Mark Vital #11 of the Baylor Bears takes the ball from J.P. Macura #55 of the Xavier Musketeers in the first half of a game at Cintas Center on November 28, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 28: Mark Vital #11 of the Baylor Bears takes the ball from J.P. Macura #55 of the Xavier Musketeers in the first half of a game at Cintas Center on November 28, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

2. Win the three-point battle

Even if Robinson-Earl doesn’t have the greatest game on Sunday, Villanova can easily make up for that beyond the arc. Through five games this season, the Wildcats have made on average 13 three-pointers a game on 42% shooting. They have six different capable players making at least one a game on 35% shooting, with sophomore forward Cole Swider making 16 of 32 this season.

It’s a cause and effect situation with the shooting and the freshman big man. When one does well early on, it allows the other more breathing room. In order to beat them, Baylor has to find a way to shut either aspect down or risk Villanova exploding on offense. The good news is that the Big 12 school has the players defensively to neutralize them, primarily using a three-guard lineup that can switch on screens with versatile forwards without getting exposed.

But if it does end up being a shootout, the Bears are okay with that too. They’ve made on average nine three-pointers a game on 38% shooting. Their long-range shooting is primarily done by their guards, with Macio Teague and Jared Butler making a combined five a game. But this team is huge on dribble penetration and ball movement while working with forwards who can score in their own right.

Villanova’s defense is still a work in progress so don’t expect them to muck it up on Sunday against the Bears. If it’s an up and down contest and not bogged down by whistles and stoppage, give the edge to Baylor.

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