Opinion
3 min read

Can the Baylor Bears Claw Back Against Cincinnati Bearcats?

As the Baylor Bears prepare to face off against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Fifth Third Arena, fans are eager to see if their team can bounce back from a recent string of challenging games. The upcoming clash on February 27th is not just another game; it's a chance for redemption.


Nov 14, 2023; Waco, Texas, USA;  Baylor Lady Bears forward Dre'Una Edwards (44) celebrates after making a three point basket against the Utah Utes during the first half at Ferrell Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears' performance has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. On February 15th, they faced the Oklahoma Sooners and put up an impressive 73 points but fell short defensively, allowing 84 points. Despite showcasing their ability to score in bursts with two quarters of over 20 points each, defensive lapses and a low assists turnover ratio of 0.94 highlighted areas for improvement.


In contrast, during their home game on February 10th against West Virginia Mountaineers, BAY demonstrated resilience by securing a win with a seven-point margin despite committing more turnovers than usual. Their field goal percentage stood at an encouraging 48 percent that night in Waco.


However, consistency remains elusive for BAY as evidenced by their encounter with BYU Cougars on February 8th where they scored only 66 points while conceding 78. A foul trouble that led to one player fouling out and personal fouls reaching the count of twenty showed cracks in discipline that need addressing.


Baylor's strengths lie in their free-throw accuracy which peaked at an impressive rate of nearly perfect (94 percent) against Oklahoma Sooners and their ability to generate fast break points (17 against OKLA). However, these strengths have been overshadowed by fluctuating shooting percentages from both inside and beyond the arc as well as turnovers which have been too high for comfort.


CIN poses yet another challenge with its own set of strengths that BAY must be wary of. The Bearcats' defense will test Baylor's offensive capabilities; hence it is crucial for BAY to tighten up their playmaking decisions and capitalize on every scoring opportunity while minimizing errors.


Looking ahead to this matchup, fans should expect Baylor Bears to come out with determination but also acknowledge that victory will hinge on improved defense and ball control. It’s time for them to prove whether they can adjust strategies effectively mid-season or continue struggling with inconsistency.


The scheduled tip-off is set for February 27th at Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati at precisely five o'clock PM Central Time (-06:00). Fans unable or unwilling to make the trip can catch all the action live where it will be broadcasted – ensuring no one misses what promises to be an enthralling encounter between these two competitive teams.

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