INDIANAPOLIS — Scott Drew watched No. 2 Baylor’s first two video games in quarantine.
When he returned to the sideline Wednesday evening, he discovered himself training in a massively other setting — and depending on a well-known script.
Adam Flagler scored 18 issues, 3 of his teammates additionally reached double figures and Baylor used its trademark protection to show the sport and pull clear of No. 5 Illinois for an 82-69 victory within the Jimmy V Classic.
To Drew, it felt like previous instances.
“The last two games I thought our offense was further along than our defense,” he stated. “I think our defense has caught up more to where we were last year and you know you’re going to need it to play like that every night to win games.”
It’s dangerous information for the remainder of faculty basketball, although.
Baylor (3-0) outrebounded the Fighting Illini 20-10 and compelled two times as many turnovers because it dedicated in the second one part whilst additionally outscoring Illinois within the paint and stale the bench within the college’s first non-conference top-five matchup.
And after an uncharacteristic first part, Drew understood why his avid gamers may had been somewhat unnerved.
“I’m not going to lie, I was really excited to be back,” stated Drew, who examined certain for COVID-19 3 days sooner than the scheduled season opener. “I missed the guys, I missed being part of the team and it was really exciting to be back.”
He used to be additionally excited, like his avid gamers, to be enjoying on nationwide tv in Indianapolis.
But the Bears did precisely what they had to do. They drew fouls in opposition to Kofi Cockburn, turning him right into a non-factor. And even if Ayo Dosunmu led the Illini (3-1) with 18 issues, he used to be simply 6 of 18 from the sector. Giorgi Beshanishvili completed with 15 issues whilst filling in for Cockburn.
“It was a frustrating night,” Illinois trainer Brad Underwood stated. “It was a great opportunity to learn. I’m disappointed in our loose balls in the second half, but give credit to them.”
The recreation additionally had a a lot more intense setting than the former two at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in large part on account of the raucous applause and loud cheers coming from the benches in what amounted to a draw for just about 30 mins.
Baylor ahead Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua began the decisive stretch via making two loose throws with 12:51 left. That broke a 43-all tie and spurred the Bears to 6 instantly issues. After Illinois made a 3-pointer, Baylor scored 5 extra issues after which took regulate with every other run, this time 9-0.
When it ended, Baylor led 65-51 with 7:31 left and the Illini by no means severely challenged once more.
BIG PICTURE
Illinois: After closing week’s scare in opposition to Ohio, the Fighting Illini sought after to dance again with a robust efficiency. Underwood’s staff surely completed that a lot. It simply didn’t pull off the type of signature win it envisioned — however that can be just a subject of time.
Baylor: While Gonzaga has confirmed itself a worthy No. 1, the Bears can say the similar about being No. 2. They’ve received their first 3 this season. They have sufficient offensive firepower, defensive tenacity and enjoy to play with — and beat — any individual within the nation.
STAT PACK
Illinois: Andre Curbelo scored 11 issues and used to be the one different Illini participant in double figures. … Cockburn had seven issues and 4 rebounds. … Illinois used to be outscored 24-7 in second-chance issues and 38-30 within the paint.
Baylor: Davion Mitchell had 15 issues and 7 assists, whilst Jared Butler scored 12. … MaCio Teague added 11 issues and Tchamwa Tchatchoua had 9 issues and 9 rebounds.
THEY SAID IT
Illinois: “They fight like dogs for 40 minutes,” Beshanishvili stated. “When you make mistakes, even the littlest mistakes, they cost you a lot.”
Baylor: “We kind of expected it,” Mitchell stated when requested concerning the contributions of Flagler and Tcahmwa Tchatchoua. “Those guys are within the gymnasium greater than any individual so we more or less be expecting that from the ones guys. It wasn’t…