Postgame Podcast & Thoughts: No 13 Baylor 99, No. 22 St John's 98

What a game! The full range of emotions was on display in this one. Let’s recap the positives and concerns.

Positives

• It was a tremendous fight to be down 18 points to a ranked team and find a way to win. This has not happened for a Scott Drew team since Baylor beat Louisville in the Bahamas in 2016 (also coached by Rick Pitino). 
• So many clutch plays by the Bears to get this win. Down five with second seconds left, you lose 99.9% of those games. But VJ Edgecombe (Fr.) hits a well-contested 3-pointer to get within two. Zuby Eijofor (Jr.) is fouled on the inbounds. He misses both FTs, but Norchad Omier (5Sr.) not only grabs the rebound but also has the presence of mind to push the ball and get it to Jeremy Roach (5Sr.). Roach does the rest with a cold-blooded contested 3-pointer as time expires.
• Only allowing seven offensive rebounds (22%) is a great stat.
• 3-point shooting was terrific (15-29) for the Bears.
• The Bears took care of the ball after nine first-half turnovers but only six in 30 minutes of basketball after that.
• Death, taxes, Omier having a double double. He gives the Bears 24 and 10. His energy on the glass and in the paint is like having a dominant running game in football. It wears on the opponent mentally.
• I loved what I saw from Langston Love (RJr.). His floor game in limited minutes was encouraging. I can’t wait to get him back in the rotation full-time. He’s a winner.
• Encouraged in the second half and overtime. Great mental toughness from Jayden Nunn (Sr.), Robert Wright (Fr.), Jalen Celestine (Sr.), Edgecombe, Roach and Omier.

Concerns

• There are way too many open looks from deep for St John’s. The Bears have to improve on the defensive end quickly. But the offense may be so good most nights that just a little improvement will go a long way.
• Free throw shooting must be better. The right guys were shooting them but still missed too many.
• Josh Ojianwuna (Jr.) has to play tougher. On rebound attempts, he let some balls fumble through his hands. Hopefully, Love's return will create more urgency with him.