The 1-3-1: No. 19 Baylor vs UT Arlington
After drumming HCU 79-35 for their fourth consecutive in-state victory of the season, No. 19 Baylor (6-2) returns to the Ferrell Center on Wednesday night against UT Arlington (5-4). The Mavericks are currently riding a three-game winning streak, after defeating Lamar 60-56 on Sunday.
Here is the 1-3-1 for the Bears and UT Arlington.
One Curiosity:
Tonight’s game should provide another opportunity for the younger players on the roster to earn valuable in-game experience. Against HCU, it was the freshmen trio of Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, Bella Fontleroy and Kyla Abraham — along with sophomore Kendra Gillespie who stole the show.
Fontleroy was able to record her first career double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds, which earned her Big 12 Freshman of the Week. Littlepage-Buggs registered a career-high four steals, while Abraham added a career-best six points and five boards in eight minutes on the floor. Gillespie recorded a career-high 10 points, marking the first time the sophomore has reached double-figure scoring.
It will be interesting to see if these young stars have another breakout performance, as well as Jana Van Gytenbeek, who was able to match her career high in assists (5) on Sunday as well.
Three Nuggets:
- Baylor forced Houston Christian into 25 turnovers, a season-best for the Bears and the most since November 2021.
- Baylor will be the third Big 12 opponent of the season for UTA, falling to Kansas (79-74) and Oklahoma (89-80).
- Baylor has won 69 of the last 71 non-conference games at the Ferrell Center.
One Player:
Baylor must contain forward Starr Jacobs and not let her get into an early rhythm from the floor. The forward from Duncanville entered the season as the WAC Preseason Player of the Year, as well as the Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Preseason Watch List.
Jacobs is currently averaging 15.9PPG, while accounting for 25 steals, 20 assists, and 49 rebounds through nine games this season.
Conclusion:
Baylor and UT Arlington are set to tip off tonight at 7:00 p.m. and the game will be available on ESPN +. The Bears will then get a breather before taking on Tennessee State next Thursday morning at 11:00 a.m. in the Ferrell Center.