Fast start, strong finish pushes Baylor past Wagner in NIT opener

WACO, TX - Baylor's performance wasn't pretty in the moments just before and right after halftime, but a fresh set of rules and an opportunity to earn some postseason hardware seemed to provide just enough motivation as Baylor created separation early and finished late to earn a first-round victory in the National Invitation Tournament over Wagner 80-59.

Along with a switch to four 10-minute quarters of play from the traditional 20-minute halves, adjusted shot clock rules, a widened lane, and multiple other changes, an extended three-point line was one of the experimental rules implemented for NIT play.

The additional range to the basket from deep didn't phase Manu Lecomte and his teammates as the senior point guard connected on 4-of-5 3-point shots in the first half while the team made 6 of 9 in the first on their way to a 40-27 halftime lead.

That 13-point lead at the break was cut down to single digits after a stretch of poor play during the third quarter, but just as it looked like the Seahawks were ready for a significant push, the Bears extended the lead back to 10 on a free throw by Mark Vital with three seconds remaining in the quarter.

From that point on the Bears put on the pressure, extending their lead out to 24 points in the closing minutes of the contest. The run was fueled by a variety of positions including six fourth-quarter points by Terry Maston and King McClure.

A total of five Bears finished in double figures including Jo Lual-Acuil (10), Nuni Omot (11), McClure (10) and Maston (13). Lecomte, who scored 18 first-half points, finished the contest with 24 on 5-of-8 shooting from deep. 

Junior guard Jake Lindsey and freshman forward Tristan Clark each missed the second half with injuries.

Baylor will face the winner of Mississippi State (4) and Nebraska (5) in the second round.