Postgame Takeaways & Podcast: #6 Baylor 75 Michigan St 58

Positives

• Baylor was the mentally tougher team which is no small feat against Michigan State.  The Bears  trailed the Spartans 36-31 late in the first half and outscored the Spartans by 22 the rest of the way by creating turnovers, controlling the glass and making tough shots
• Guard play struggled against VCU but was locked in versus Michigan State.  34 points from Akinjo, Flagler and Cryer.  Akinjo was terrific in the second half.  He finished the day with 15 points, 5 assists and 3 steals.   
• Tremendous production from the wings.  Matt Mayer, Kendall Brown and Jeremy Sochan gave the Bears defense, rebounding and offensive production (28 points). 
• Love the activity and defense from Jon and Flo in the second half.  They controlled the paint and made Bingham, Hall and Marble non factors holding them to 15 points and only 6 rebounds.  
• FT defense in the second half was very strong (8-14)
• Points in the paint 44-30 for Baylor and 22-13 points off turnovers.  Michigan State one of the best in the nation at pushing the pace after a miss, make or turnover but Baylor did a tremendous job getting back in transition.  Great scouting on short notice.  
• Half court prayer defense, glad to see we are working on this

Needs Work

• Hard to find negatives but 3 point shooting has to be better to win the Big12 and a national title
• Jimmy Dykes research on Baylor's rebounding.  Acted like he didn't know Baylor has been one of the best offensive rebounding teams over the last 12 years.