With a strong second-half performance, Baylor secures a 67-48 victory to advance in the tournament.
Category: Local News
LAS VEGAS – The Baylor Bears showcased their dominance in the quarterfinals of the College Basketball Crown, defeating the Minnesota Golden Gophers 67-48 on April 1, 2026, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. This victory marks Baylor's 14th consecutive postseason appearance, solidifying their status as a formidable contender.
Baylor's performance was highlighted by an impressive shooting display, ending the night with a 47% field goal percentage, including a remarkable 58% in the second half. The Bears, who entered the tournament with a 16-16 record, improved to 17-16, whereas Minnesota's record fell to 15-18 after the loss.
Key players for Baylor included Tounde Yessoufou, who led the scoring with 19 points, followed closely by Obi Agbim with 17 points and Cameron Carr contributing 15 points. Agbim was particularly effective from beyond the arc, shooting 5-for-8 on three-pointers, outscoring Minnesota's entire roster in that category, as the Golden Gophers managed only 3-for-23 from three-point range.
The game started with both teams exchanging leads, but Baylor quickly gained momentum after a halfcourt lob from Agbim to Carr resulted in a spectacular slam dunk, giving the Bears a 12-9 lead by the first media timeout. Minnesota responded with a 7-0 run, taking an 18-16 lead with just over ten minutes left in the first half. Yet, Baylor's defense held Minnesota to a six-and-a-half-minute scoring drought, allowing the Bears to go on an 11-1 run and regain control of the game.
As the first half concluded, Baylor led 31-26, but the second half saw the Bears take complete command. Yessoufou opened the scoring with a layup, and Baylor’s defense continued to stifle Minnesota, allowing only one point in the first six minutes of the half. Agbim's fifth three-pointer extended Baylor's lead to 50-32, and though Minnesota attempted to claw back with a 10-2 run, it was not enough to shift the momentum.
“We came out with a lot of energy and executed our game plan,” said Baylor head coach Scott Drew after the game. “Our defense was key in the second half, and we were able to capitalize on our offensive opportunities.”
Baylor's defense was particularly impressive, holding Minnesota to just 39% shooting from the field and under 50 points, a feat not accomplished since January 7, 2025, against Cincinnati. The Bears' ability to control the glass also played a major role in their victory, as they out-rebounded Minnesota, who struggled with depth due to injuries to key players.
In addition to their offensive prowess, Baylor's rebounding was a decisive factor. Minnesota played with a six-man rotation, missing top rebounder Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, who averaged 6.8 rebounds and 13.4 points per game before his injury. This lack of depth allowed Baylor to capitalize on second-chance opportunities and dominate the boards.
Looking ahead, Baylor will face Oklahoma in the semifinals of the College Basketball Crown on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. CT. The matchup another exciting contest as both teams vie for a chance to win the tournament.
“We’re excited for the challenge against Oklahoma,” added Drew. “Every game in this tournament is a chance to prove ourselves, and we’re ahead to it.”
The betting market had favored Baylor going into the game, with odds showing a spread of -4 and a moneyline of -185. Those who placed bets on Baylor to cover were rewarded, as the Bears not only won but did so by a comfortable margin, exceeding the required four-point victory to cover the spread.
In terms of betting totals, the over/under was set at 148.5 points, but the teams combined for only 115 points, resulting in a win for those who bet the under. The game’s pace, combined with both teams' struggles on the defensive end, made for an unexpectedly low-scoring affair.
As Baylor continues its postseason run, the focus will be on maintaining the momentum generated in this decisive victory. With a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, the Bears are determined to make a deep run in the tournament.
Fans will be eagerly awaiting the next matchup, hoping to see their team build on this strong performance and advance closer to the College Basketball Crown title.
“We’ve got to keep pushing ourselves and stay focused,” Yessoufou said after the win. “This is just the beginning for us.”
The excitement surrounding the College Basketball Crown continues to grow, and Baylor's impressive showing against Minnesota has set the stage for what an exhilarating semifinal matchup against Oklahoma.