Bears Win 6th in a Row, Cruise Past Frogs 78-59
FORT WORTH, Texas — The No. 7 Baylor women’s basketball team (21-5, 11-3) took care of business against the TCU Horned Frogs (6-17, 2-12) with a 78-59 win in Fort Worth on Saturday.
Led by 23 points from NaLyssa Smith, the Bears won their 11th conference game of the year and continue to control their own destiny for the regular-season title.
Queen Egbo grabbed 14 points and 12 boards before fouling out with 6 minutes left in the game. Meanwhile, Jordan Lewis and Sarah Andrews both netted 12 points and combined for 11 assists.
Similar to the first matchup last Wednesday, the Baylor offense was not flowing early, but their defense kept the game level. The first quarter ended 13-9 with the Frogs shooting a dismal 11% percent from the field, but they stayed afloat by winning trips to the free-throw line early and often.
The Bears’ attack found some rhythm in the second period, but TCU’s shooting woes faded. The Frogs actually outscored Baylor 20-19 in the quarter for a 3-point game at halftime, 32-29.
Perhaps the most important note at halftime was Smith’s 3 personal fouls, which kept her on the bench to start the third quarter.
Not to be forgotten, Jaden Owens had a very solid half, scoring five points and playing stellar defense against the Frogs.
Without its biggest star in Smith, Baylor managed just fine to open the second half. They went on a 9-2 run capped by a Sarah Andrews three, which pushed the lead to 10 points, and the Bears were comfortable from there.
Queen Egbo asserted herself on both ends of the floor and was even given a technical foul for her celebration of a great block on the defensive end. The call didn’t change momentum or the score, with TCU missing both free throws and the ensuing shot.
The lead grew to as much as 16 points with a NaLyssa Smith and-1 to make it 58-42 at the end of the quarter, but Jordan Lewis became the third Bear to register her third foul.
In the final frame, the foul trouble was of little consequence. Smith picked up her 4th foul one minute into the quarter but played clean the rest of the way. Egbo did foul out as previously stated, but Lewis also made it to the end of the game.
Highlights of the smooth fourth quarter included a Caitlin Bickle three and an athletic and-1 from Lewis to help the Bears build up to a 22 point lead.
The Horned Frogs did have a standout performance from Okako Adika, but her 23 points and 9 rebounds were not enough to trouble the rolling Bears.
Up next for Baylor is a trip to Stillwater on Wednesday. Their game again the Cowgirls will tip-off at 6:30 PM CT and will be available on ESPN+.