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Baylor Basketball: Takeaways from win over Villanova in Myrtle Beach finals

By Zach Stearman

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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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MARCH 23: Jared Butler #12 of the Baylor Bears reacts in the final moments of their 83-71 loss to the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the Second Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 23, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MARCH 23: Jared Butler #12 of the Baylor Bears reacts in the final moments of their 83-71 loss to the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the Second Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 23, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

1. Baylor’s guards are among nation’s elite units

It would be difficult to find a set of guards who would outmatch the three Baylor starters. The three guard lineup is unique and sacrifices some size, but the Bears are able to rotate between three primary ball handlers. They have confidence in all three players, and as shown against Villanova, each of them is capable of putting up big numbers.

Davion Mitchell sat out last season after transferring from Auburn, and he has immediately become a key piece for the Bears’ backcourt. Mitchell is known as a high-caliber defender, but he struggled to contain Collin Gillespie when they matched up individually. Still, Baylor will count on him to lock up the opponent’s best guard in key matchups, and he has the skill set to do so. Mitchell has found a rhythm on offense over the past two games, scoring 15 and 13 points respectively. He won’t be the team’s leading scorer this season, but the ability to penetrate and create his own shot helps take pressure off of the team’s other weapons.

MaCio Teague looked like he was going to be the player of the game for much of the second half as he made multiple critical buckets as the lead changed back and forth. Teague is another transfer in his first season with Baylor, and he has always been known to be able to light up the scoreboard. Teague shot over 42% from three-point range in both of his seasons with UNC Asheville, and he showed off his range against Villanova. Teague is averaging over 15 points per game this season. He can make a defense pay if they have a let down.

Of course, the star of the night was Jared Butler. As he has been known to do, Butler turned on the jets late to put the final dagger in the Wildcats. Butler made a three with 5:55 remaining to give Baylor the lead, and after Villanova made a pair of free throws, he made another one to put them up three. Baylor would never trail again.

There is no player in the Big XII I would trust more with the ball in his hands at the end of a game than Jared Butler. He is a high usage player who is still managing elite efficiency. Through six games, Butler has an effective field goal percentage above 70%. He’s also contributing 3.6 assists and 2.0 steals per game to add to his scoring. Butler is on an absolute tear this season, and he the looks of a potential Big XII Player of the Year.

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