MBB Podcast and Thoughts Baylor 72 Texas State 63

Baylor (2-1) defeats Texas State (2-2) 72-63 at the Ferrell Center.  Here are some quick thoughts on the game and what Baylor must improve on in the weeks ahead.  

Positives

- Some really good basketball during a 19-4 run in the first half and a 20-2 run in the second half.  Great defensive pressure spurred each run.  

- Overall efficient defense:  15 steals and 18 turnovers forced against a veteran team that won 24 games last year.  Held Texas State to 0.89 points per possession.  That is solid, anything under 1.0 is good.  

- I failed to give him his proper due in the podcast but Freddie Gillespie was good again.  He finished with 11 points; 11 rebounds; 4 steals and 2 blocks.  He is a steadying influence for this team.  

- Matthew Mayer did some really good things in the first half without scoring.  He was making good passes and playing good defense.  His second half not as much.  

Needs Work

- Decision making was abyssmal at times.  12 turnovers and poor shot selection at times kept Texas State in this game.  These guards are too good to have games like this. 

- Shot it poorly from 3 (6-23), reminiscent of last year versus SFA but Baylor was able to generate a little more offense this year.  

Overall

- We are a long ways away from being a Big12 title contender right now but, we know this team should be a lot better in January than the version we see now.  Tristan Clark should be available for the tournament in South Carolina next week after not playing tonight (non operative procedure on his knee).  Matthew Mayer like Tristan Clark still very rusty after not practicing with full contact most of the summer coming off surgery.  

Bonus

- Enjoyed good fellowship with Sicem365 folks at Balcones and Milo before the game.