Postgame Podcast & Thoughts: No. 11 Tennessee 77 No. 13 Baylor 62

Positives

• Didn’t roll over in the second half like the Bears did against Gonzaga.  Despite tired legs, the Bears were the more aggressive team in the second half and end up outscoring the Vols by 12 and hold Tennessee to a respectable 30 points.  
• Norchad Omier continues to be one of the most difficult players in college basketball to guard in the paint.  We have to force teams to double him and allow our shooters to get open looks on kick out 3s.  
• VJ Edgecombe played with a lot of aggression and energy particularly in the second half.  
• No injuries

Concerns

• Third high profile game where we just get blitzed in the first half.  One time is understandable.  Happening three times is highly concerning.  49-30 vs Gonzaga; 44-30 vs St. John’s; 47-20 vs Tennessee.  Seems like some changes need to be made to schematics or lineups to nip this trend in the bud.  
• Three point defense is currently #351.  Really our ability to affect shots is pretty bad overall (#257 on two point defense).  I think some of this is personnel limitations and some of it is fixable with cohesion, effort and communication.  These coaches have a challenge on their hands to right the ship defensively.  Three point shooting will come and go some, but defense and rebounding have to be a constant.  

Still think this team has a lot of potential to be great.  We have shown glimpses.  I thought we would have growing pains with our schedule.  Certainly didn’t expect two losses as lopsided as Gonzaga and Tennessee.  Let’s see how we do against UCONN and just keep getting better.  These coaches are good and well compensated.  I think they will continue to push buttons until they find the right combinations.