Baylor Basketball advances to first Final Four since 1950 with win over Arkansas

Among the most gritty of matchups on the Elite Eight slate, was expected to be Arkansas and Baylor Basketball. Both teams in unchartered waters and a chance to extend their magical runs.

Arkansas has been highlighted for comeback wins, with their three double-digit come from behind victories. Meanwhile, the Bears have had to rely on paint scoring in their most recent game, to overcome the Wildcats of Villanova.

The offense was not rusty to begin this game for Baylor, as they got out to a quick 7-0 run, led by five from MaCio Teague. The Bears’ hot start would continue, to pile on in bunches with a 15-3 start early on. The Bears’ lead would be extended to as much as 18.

However, Arkansas has been used to being down in the tournament. Even with the half dominated by Baylor’s offense, Arkansas would stick around and be down, just eight at halftime.

A big advantage for the Bears would be JD Notae being fouled out early in the second half, limiting their rotation and their bench being dwindled.

Over the course of the second half, Arkansas would claw back, with an 8-0 run, to cut their deficit to four. Baylor took ball security into high regard, with their first turnover of the second half coming halfway into the second half.

Neither team could find the deep ball, coming out of the second half, ice-cold from beyond the arc. Back-to-back three-pointers from Teague just under five minutes, would take the Bears lead to 11. The Bears would clamp down and force twelve straight misses from the Razorbacks.

When Arkansas came back, Baylor had an answer for any challenge the Razorbacks presented. A three-pointer from Adam Flagler would put the game on ice and send the Bears to their first Final Four, since 1950, with an 81-72 win.

Four bears scored in double figures, as the three-point shooting was clicking once again. Baylor shot 53.3% from beyond the arc, making eight of their fifteen shots.