No. 9 Baylor basketball (2-0) cruises past Nicholls State (3-1) 89-60

WACO, Texas — No. 9 Baylor men’s basketball (2-0) ended Nicholls State’s (3-1) dreams of an undefeated season with a 89-60 win in the Ferrell Center. 

The screams... the terrible screams. It was elementary school day. Chris Fuentes is paying for my tympanoplasty — or eardrum surgery for those intrigued. 

That was the big takeaway from today. It was wholesome, encouraging and altogether entertaining in itself. Parlay that with high-caliber basketball? It doesn’t get much better. 

As for this Baylor team, it was my first time seeing them in person this season. It’s as though this group is on some kind of traveling circus tour to gloat a national title win. From high-flying dunks to flashy passes and an atypical 20 turnovers, this team is like the Globetrotters with more defense. 

Recapping the opening 20 minutes, Baylor put on an offensive clinic. Marked by 12 points from LJ Cryer and Matthew Mayer, coupled with eight assists from Kendall Brown, the Bears rolled to an early 25 point lead. 

In total, the Green and Gold put up 41 shots in the first half and hit 20 of them for a 49% clip from the field. Add 26 rebounds to that mix — 10 of which were offensive — and Baylor led 48-28 at the break. 

The second half was simply cruise control. With more electric dunks and more Cryer points to boot, Baylor rolled to the 89-60 home win. 

The Bears led 48-26 in rebounds, 42-22 in bench points and shot 13-30 from three. Again, 89 points and 20 turnovers, this was a show — but it was never close. 

Ok, yes, it’s Nicholls State — but they were also picked to win the Southland Conference. This Colonels squad could be dancing in March. They even gave LSU fits in an exhibition early this year. Don’t be fooled, this was actually an impressive win.