Blackwell records double-double, Baylor defeats UIW 71-42

WACO, Texas -- The goal of being the best team in Texas stayed intact as No. 18 Baylor (2-0) defeated Incarnate Word 71-42 at the Ferrell Center on Thursday night. 

Aijah Blackwell left no doubt who was the best player on the court Thursday night. The senior dominated on both ends of the court, while recording her first double-double of the season with 23 points and 10 rebounds. 

After the game, Blackwell was all smiles and credited her success to the energy of the team.

“I just feed off the energy of the team. I feel like when we’re energized and everything just feels it, so I guess that was it.”

After a lethargic first quarter of play, both teams picked up the pace in the second quarter. Baylor received a boost of energy from junior F Erika Porter, who took the floor for the first time this season. Porter (6 points, 5 rebounds) was able to connect on 2-of-6 shots in the quarter to give her five points, but her impact was mostly reflected in the rebound column where Baylor continues to struggle as a whole.

“Erika has missed two weeks of practice. I thought when she first went into the game she did a really good job of sealing the center and creating openings,” said head coach Nicki Collen. “We just have to integrate her back into the game. This time of year you’re just trying to manage your team and be as healthy as you can for the most important part of the year.”

The Bears held a 21-18 rebounding advantage at the half, but UIW held the edge on the defensive boards. Baylor’s separation in the first stemmed from their ability to take advantage of points of turnovers and in the paint. The Bears scored 24 points in the paint while holding the Cardinals to just 6; Baylor was also able to generate 12 points off 13 UIW turnovers.

The Bears finally created some separation in the third quarter behind a 17-3 run that spanned nearly seven minutes. Sarah Andrews (12 points, 3 rebounds) led the way with seven points, including the final five points heading into the final quarter of play up 50-25.

“Honestly I wasn’t even worrying about if my shot was falling or not, I just kept playing and it started with defense,” said Andrews. “I think that once my defense picked it up it led to me shooting the ball well.”

UIW wouldn’t go down without a fight in the fourth quarter, as they put up 17 points in a losing effort. 

The Bears will be back in action on Tuesday, November 15th at 7:00 p.m. against SMU (1-0) for their third straight game against in-state opponents to begin the season.