I wrote an article after Baylor’s loss to Kansas State earlier this season where I described them as a one-woman show. I am mistaken; this team has since won fourteen of sixteen games. Last night Baylor thrashed Iowa State 87-62 in a dominating performance. This piece will talk about the impact for both teams and predict where each will finish.
Baylor Thrashed Iowa State to Win the Big 12 Title
Baylor
The Bears are led by superstar NaLyssa Smith she currently averages 21.8 points per game, a threat from multiple areas on the floor. Lately, Smith has had some help, including Jordan Lewis, who scored 23 points last night in the big win. Lewis will elevate this team to a potential final four run with performances like this. Last night’s result clinched the Big 12 title once again. The Bears look dangerous and are not a team anyone wants to see in the tournament. If they can avenge their losses to Oklahoma in the Big 12 tournament, they are in the race for a number one seed if someone from the top four goes down. Baylor has some fantastic wins on their resume: Iowa State twice, Kansas St, Kansas twice, and Missouri. Since they do not have any big non-conference wins, a one-seed looks doubtful, but they have put themselves in the conversation, a fantastic achievement for first-year coach Nicki Collen.
Iowa State
This loss for the Cyclones was embarrassing because they also lost the other game against Baylor similarly. Ashley Joens was incredibly inefficient last night, shooting just 4-19 to get her 19 points. She also did not get any help from her teammates. Performances like this concern me about where this team may finish. Despite having great talent, sometimes the Cyclones do not play together as a team. They have poor results against the top teams in the Big 12 apart from Oklahoma. If Joens cannot find some help on her roster, this team may be an early exit in the tournament. They should be a three-seed unless they excel in the Big 12 tournament. However, they look like a team that could lose in the second round of the NCAA tournament to a sneaky six or 11 seed. Other players like Lexi Donarski, Aubrey Joens, and Emily Ryan must step up and help Joens in big games to avoid an early exit.
Last night’s result where Baylor thrashed Iowa State forced me to rethink each of their finishes. I am anxious to see the Big 12 tournament to determine how these teams will finish before selection Monday. Both teams have a chance to make deep NCAA runs, but only one looks bound for Minneapolis right now.
Main Photo
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