Baylor Basketball’s second half adjustment leads to victory over Villanova

2. The burst off the bench was the difference

When Baylor wins, it comes from a burst of offense and energy off the bench. The main two impact players offensively has been Matthew Mayer and Flagler. Tonight, it was Flagler that was clutch when they needed him to be.

Whether it be in transition three-pointers, excellent assists, or icing the game with free throws, Flagler’s presence gave the Bears the edge they needed.

Flagler made the final remaining six free throws after the team as a whole made just one of their four free throws. Three of those, coming from Butler.

The duo of Flagler and Mayer have been clutch in many wins for the Bears on the season. Mayer had the big game against Wisconsin. Tonight, it was Flagler’s night to shine.

3. Best defensive performance of the season

After having an issue with limiting Villanova in the paint, the scouting report of Scott Drew’s seemed to work.

Villanova had a combined 12 turnovers in the first two games of the tournament. Baylor forced 16 Wildcat turnovers in the contest, led by eight steals. Caleb Daniels has been a solid player for the Wildcats, but was stifled by the Baylor guards. Daniels was just 1-11 from the field and Big East Player of The Year Robinson-Earl was shutout in the second half.

Baylor only gave up 21 points in the second half and gave the Wildcats fits down the stretch. Even with Baylor’s own three-point shooting woes, Villanova suffered some of the same. 3-17 from beyond the arc, is good enough for 17.6% of their three-pointers that fell. None of them, which were made in the second half.

Baylor will make their first Elite 8 since 2012, and their third overall under Scott Drew. Their next contest will be on Monday, as they face the winner of Arkansas vs. Oral Roberts.