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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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ANCHORAGE, AK – NOVEMBER 08: Head coach Scott Drew (L) of the Baylor Bears reacts in the first half against the Washington Huskies during the ESPN Armed Forces Classic at Alaska Airlines Center on November 8, 2019 in Anchorage, Alaska. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
ANCHORAGE, AK – NOVEMBER 08: Head coach Scott Drew (L) of the Baylor Bears reacts in the first half against the Washington Huskies during the ESPN Armed Forces Classic at Alaska Airlines Center on November 8, 2019 in Anchorage, Alaska. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

2. Matthew Mayer is a spark plug off of the bench

Sophomore guard Matthew Mayer is was a top-100 recruit coming out of high school per 247, so he has the pedigree to be a play maker. At Baylor, he’s earned the reputation as a player that is not afraid to look for his shot. In just 11 minutes of game time against Baylor, Mayer went 4-6 shooting, scoring 10 points. He also grabbed three boards and pitched in an assist. He was very active, and every time he touched the ball, it felt like he was looking to score.

This wasn’t some fluke showing for Mayer either. As soon as he checked in, the announcers noted how Mayer is looking for “a shot a minute”. Last season against TCU, Mayer scored 17 points in only 14 minutes of game time. Baylor doesn’t look to be a team that will struggle to score for long stretches this season, but a capable scorer off the bench is always a valuable asset for a team. Mayer isn’t the most efficient player, and he needs to work on taking better shots, but he can provide a jolt of energy offensively for the Bears.

Mayer was the main focus of the offense for a large stretch of the first half against Villanova. He initiated the offense without hesitation, and he played really well against a talented opponent. There is no doubt that Mayer will play a key role in a conference game in the future for Baylor. He is not a player that you can count on every night yet, but the energy he provides off of the bench is valuable.

Coach Scott Drew will surely keep a short leash on him when he doesn’t have it going, but there will be a time when he plays a key role in leading Baylor to a victory. Shot creators are not easy to find, and Mayer certainly fits the bill.

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