Heartbreak for No. 25 MBB as They Falter Against No. 3 Iowa State

Baylorbears.com

AMES, Iowa – Registering nearly 30 points below their typical scoring average, the 25^th-ranked Baylor Bears managed only 29.7% shooting overall and made 7-of-29 from beyond the arc in their defeat against the third-ranked Iowa State, 74-55, Saturday afternoon at Hilton Coliseum.

Competing without key players Langston Love and Cal transfer Jalen Celestine, both sidelined due to ankle injuries, the Bears (9-4, 1-1) utilized a limited rotation of just seven players, featuring freshman Jason Asemota who contributed three rebounds and one block in nine minutes.

“I wish we could have been at full capacity,” remarked Baylor coach Scott Drew, as his squad dropped to 2-4 against ranked opponents this season, “because I would have loved to see how we could have improved from there. However, I’m proud of our players for shooting like that and not losing by 40, to be honest.”

Claiming their ninth consecutive victory, Iowa State (12-1, 2-0) had three players scoring in double digits, spearheaded by Keshon Gilbert with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Milan Momcilovic connected on four 3-pointers and totaled 15 points, while Curtis Jones contributed 14 points along with four of the Cyclones’ six steals.

“Even when he’s not hitting shots, he causes problems for your defense,” Drew noted regarding the 6-8 Momcilovic, “because everyone is aware of his abilities. But he’s shooting 44% for the season. He’s an exceptionally talented player who can score both inside and outside. I believe this is what’s enhancing their performance compared to last year due to having a wider array of options.”

Starting off sluggishly, the Bears encountered a double-digit deficit just five minutes into the game, falling behind by as many as 12 in the first half. Yet, guards Jeremy Roach and Robert Wright III each scored in the final minute, narrowing the gap to eight, 33-25.

“They do an excellent job of pressuring the ball and denying the wings,” shared Roach, who matched the game high with 16 points, sinking four 3-pointers, “but I think we performed well. We just missed some opportunities. . . . Clearly, they’re ranked No. 3 for a reason. They’re accomplishing something well.”

Miami transfer Norchad Omier scored nine points and secured seven rebounds in the first half, ultimately achieving double-digit rebounds (10), though he was held scoreless in the second half and only hit 1-of-7 from 3-point range.

“When you’re not converting shots, it’s essential to get stops, and we failed to do that,” Drew mentioned. “They shot 49% overall and 48% from 3-point range, so credit goes to them. And when you miss a few, it’s not likely you’ll receive many good looks against Iowa State. Therefore, making those opportunities count is crucial.”

The Cyclones went on an 11-point scoring run spanning 3 ½ minutes, expanding their lead to 61-38 on a Curtis Jones 3-pointer with 6:56 remaining in the game.

Josh Ojianwuna achieved a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, making 5-of-6 from the field, while guards Roach and Wright contributed with 16 and 10 points, respectively.

Freshman VJ Edgecombe was only 1-of-9 shooting but concluded with four points, seven rebounds, four assists, and four steals.

Baylor is set to return home to face the 16^th-ranked Cincinnati (10-3, 0-2) at 7 p.m. on Tuesday before they hit the road again for back-to-back contests at Arizona State and Arizona. The Bearkats began conference play with two losses by a combined total of eight points, losing to Arizona, 72-67, on Saturday after initially starting league play with a 70-67 defeat at Kansas State.