Postgame Podcast & Thoughts: Baylor 89, Nicholls 60

Encouraging

• 33 assists on 37 made field goals.  That’s tremendous.  The Bears shared and moved the ball well resulting in lots of open looks.  
• Total domination on the glass as you would hope.  The Bears outrebounded Nicholls 48-26.  
• Over 50% from the field and 40% from 3 are positive signs.
• LJ Cryer shot it extremely well (7-9 FG; 5-7 three pointers).  
• Freshmen were special.  Kendall Brown reminded me of Julius “Dr J” Irving with his athleticism, speed and grace.  13 points; 9 rebounds and 10 assists.   Jeremy Sochan was good 14 points (5-10 FG; 3-6 three pointers); 4 rebounds and 2 assists.  
• Vets were all good:  Mayer, Flagler, Thamba, Tchatchoua combine for 38 points and 24 rebounds.  
• He didn’t shoot it well but very encouraged by Dale Bonner's minutes on defense, facilitating (4 assists to 0 turnovers) and keeping the offense flowing well.  
• Free throw defense (57% 9-16) was solid.  

Needs Improvement

• James Akinjo had a rough game.  Only 1-6 from the field and 5 turnovers.  He had 5 assists.  Not worried in the least.  I know he's one of the best point guards in the country and will prove that over time.  
• Turnovers in general (20) and sloppy fouls (19).  Need to clean up both areas as we face better competition.  
• Lack of free throws (5) and percentage (40%).  Surprised to see Jon miss his two.  He's typically a 80% guy.  Need to get free throw attempts against better competition.