We should have got separation from SMU but shot terribly and gave them a chance. Like Chi, I think we are better off at this point then we were last year. The tenacity of the freshman is impressive.Chibears2 said:
It's funny, I was pretty negative and very irritated with some of what I saw on the court last year, but I'm actually encouraged this year, maybe dependent on what's up with Ajah as far as this season, but I really see the promise.
Some are saying our offense is terrible. No, our SCORING isn't good right now, but the shots are definitely there when we play against man defense, we just need to finish at the rim. In zone, which is what we've mostly had played against us, we need to shoot better and actually MAKE those outside shots, but reps, and especially game reps, will help that. Also, we are still turning down some open perimeter shots that we should be taking, and I think that's a little function of having so many who can shoot and not just one player who is THE woman who is expected to put it up aka Juicy. Playing time and playing comfort with each other will help the whole team figure out and get comfortable with who our alphas are.
As for defense, I don't think it's the scheme but more execution. You can't have mental lapses as a defensive player in this scheme. One person misses their assignment and you can end up with those drives down the lane that feel like killers. The young players will get better individually and the team will become more cohesive and connected.
There's no familiarity or history to draw on with this team. It's not like, "Oh, hey, hi everyone. Missed you over the summer, let's knock some rust off in the first two games and we'll be in last year's form." This is more a what kind of player are you, and how do we fit together kind of thing. That takes more than two or three games. Yank out the go-to player in the first quarter on top of that, and we probably should expect what we got last night. As a matter of fact, I am really proud that the team found a way to overcome all the adversity that was thrown their way, and to essentially do it with unexpected contributors. That kind of win in your "toolbox" can really be valuable later in the season. Be patient. We're 3-0, folks, with a real battle looming Sunday. Let's go give this young team support!
SIC'EM!
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Baylor Women's Basketball
The 1-3-1: Baylor WBB vs SMU
Head coach Nicki Collen and No. 17 Baylor (2-0) will wrap up their third consecutive game against a fellow Lonestar State opponent on Tuesday night when they welcome SMU (1-1) for a 7:00 p.m. tip in the Ferrell Center. The Mustangs are coming off a 97-74 road loss to No. 16 Oklahoma, after they defeated Alabama State 76-39 in their season opener.
Here is the 1-3-1 on SMU.
One Player:
The Bears have struggled at times rebounding and defending inside this season, which they can’t afford to do this week against SMU. Baylor could have their hands full with junior F Savannah Wilkinson, who is a walking double-double.
Wilkinson entered the season as a unanimous preseason all-conference first-team selection in the AAC, after leading the conference with 14 double-doubles last season. She made her presence felt in Norman by finishing the night with 12 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks against the Sooners.
Three Nuggets:
● Tuesday’s matchup with SMU marks the 39th meeting all-time and the first since 1996.
● Baylor is 8-8 all-time against the Mustangs in Waco and this will be the first meeting in the Ferrell Center since March 3, 1990, and just the third game ever played in the venue.
● SMU has won the last 13 meetings between the two programs, stretching from the 1991-96 seasons.
One Key:
Baylor can win a lot of games this season if they keep feeding the rock to Aijah Blackwell and Bella Fontleroy. The dynamic duo each scored in double figures against Incarnate Word, which led to Fontleroy (11pts) earning Big 12 Freshman of the Week and Blackwell (23pts) claiming her first 20-point outing of the season.
Conclusion:
Tuesday’s game should be Baylor’s most difficult challenge yet, but playing in the friendly confines of the Ferrell Center have helped the Bears historically. Baylor has won 68 of the last 69 non-conference games at the Ferrell Center, including 15 NCAA Tournament contests.
As always, get the latest on Baylor Women’s Basketball from SicEm365.com.
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