Bench Production
Baylor has won with the usual elite guard play in the starting lineup but has also gotten a lift from the bench. Baylor struggled during the back half of the season when the bench was limited in scoring.
They have broken the funk in the first two games, with sophomore guard Adam Flagler dropping in 12 points in the first round against Hartford.
Adam Flagler at the horn!pic.twitter.com/cCWcLKkW8h
— Heat Check CBB (@HeatCheckCBB) March 21, 2021
Junior hybrid Matthew Mayer duplicated the success, with 17 points and six rebounds in their win this past Sunday over Wisconsin.
Baylor takes down Wisconsin 76-63 and advances to the Sweet 16 😈 @BaylorMBB
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) March 21, 2021
Matthew Mayer lead the Bears with 17 in the win (video via @marchmadness) pic.twitter.com/8cvKPU50j8
North Texas did not rely on their bench much, as four of their five players logged in 35 minutes. For Winthrop, the Eagles got a solid amount of production with 18 points, 10 coming from Guard Adonis Arms.
A massive role in this game will be help from the bench. Flo Thamba and Mark Vital aren’t expected to have a lot of points in the game. Players like Flagler, Mayer, and Johnathon Tchamwa Tchatchoua have added production, with each having multiple double figures games on the season.
The Bears were able to beat Wisconsin, with athleticism and the ability to play deep. Villanova is a much more athletic squad, with multiple NBA-caliber players on the roster, even without Gillespie.
Logging significant minutes and action from the aforementioned trio will be massive in the Bears’ success on Saturday.