Postgame Podcast & Takeaways: Virginia 86 Baylor 79

Baylor (3-1) drops the first game in Vegas against Virginia (3-0) 86-79.  The Bears led 33-30 at half but Virginia went on a 27-5 run to start the second half.  Baylor was led by Keyonte George (20), LJ Cryer (19) and Adam Flagler (15).  Next up for the Bears is the loser of Illinois/UCLA.

Positives

• Loved the fight at the end of the second half after absorbing a 27-5 run by Virginia to start the second half 
• Great to see LJ Cryer get back to his normal great shooting.  8-12 from the field.  3-5 from 3.  4 assists and zero turnovers.  He played well.  
• Caleb Lohner had a great second half- 11 points on 4-4 shooting from the field and knocking down his only 3 point attempt.  
• 1.18 points per possession versus a Virginia team is really good

Needs Improvement

• Where was the competitive fire to start the second half?  This team is too casual with the basketball and I’m concerned about the lack of killer instinct.  That has to improve.
• Dale Bonner (79 KenPom offensive rating) and Jalen Bridges (48 offensive rating) have to play better for Baylor.  
• Defensive efficiency is not great.  Currently #38 in KenPom after the loss.  Needs to be much better for Baylor to reach their goals.  

Virginia is Final 4 good.  This is a better loss than 2 years ago against Washington.  Bears need to learn from it and get a win on Sunday.