No. 8 Bears Bounce Back with 72-67 Win Over No. 16 Arkansas, Calipari

DALLAS — The No. 8 Baylor Bears (1-1) bounced back from their season-opening loss with a 72-67 victory over the No. 16 Arkansas Razorbacks (1-1).

Jayden Nunn (Sr.) and Norchad Omier (5Sr.) led the way for the Bears with 16 and 15 points respectively with the Miami transfer grabbing 12 rebounds for a double-double.

Baylor’s latest freshman phenom, VJ Edgecombe, also came up big with 11 points, a clutch offensive rebound and key late free throws.

The Green and Gold grew an early first-half lead as large as 11 points before the Razorbacks fought back with a 9-0 run. 

The Bears closed out the half with a 9-2 response for the halftime scoreline of 42-33 Bears.

Part of the Arkansas run was increased, full-court defensive pressure which continued throughout the second half. 

An 11-2 Hogs run to open the second period drew the teams together at 44-44 with 16:05 to play.

Jayden Nunn and Baylor punched back with an 11-2 run of their own including a pair of triples from the lone returning starter in green and gold.

The physical Arkansas defense helped the Hogs claw their way back to within three in the final minute. But Edgecombe’s clutch offensive rebound and free throws kept the Bears in the lead for good.

Jeremy Roach (5th.) and Robert Wright (Fr.) rounded out the offensive attack for Baylor on the night, making five Bears in double digits.

Despite the defensive pressure, the Bears only turned the ball over eight times and shot 47% from the field.

It was far from a perfect game with Baylor missing 6-of-17 free throws and shooting 29% from three, but the Bears will take the bounce-back from the shocking opener in Spokane.

Now Scott Drew’s squad will turn its attention to the home opener and Sam Houston on Tuesday. Tip-off for that game is set for 7 PM.