Matthew Mayer plays big role in Baylor Basketball’s win over Wisconsin
By Andrew Tineo
1. Baylor’s defense is officially back to its old form
Wisconsin was out of sorts and part of it was due to the play of Baylor’s defense. After struggling Post-COVID on that end, the defense has improved immensely, in the first two games of the NCAA Tournament.
They limited the Hawks to just 63 points, after giving up 70 or more in the final four games of the regular season.
It was a relentless effort from the Naismith DPOTY finalists in Davion Mitchell and Mark Vital. Even with the seven. Even if it wasn’t his best offensive performance in terms of the total number, it might be his best overall performance of the season.
Mitchell finished with 16 points and eight assists, off of 6-8 shooting from the field. However, it was his defense on Brad Davidson, that was huge for the Bears.
After scoring 30 points against UNC, Davidson was held to just three points during the first 30 minutes and finished with eight points on 3-11 shooting. However, this is nothing new for Mitchell, whose nickname is “Off night”.
When guarded man-to-man by Davion Mitchell, opponents are turning the ball over an insane 29% of the time, according to Synergy. Most in the country.
— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) March 21, 2021
Vital also had some highlight-reel offensive plays, but helped limit a frontcourt, that Wisconsin had a clear advantage. The combo of Reauvers and Ford had 19 points.