![Big 12 Tourney: Baylor Secures Quarterfinal Victory Over Cincinnati, 68-56 2 urlhttps3A2F2Fassets.apnews.com2F672F4f2Fa9f07c1c1fe5f50be1cc1d1b53a62Fa187717c21a64848a34086e23d57a43a](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/urlhttps3A2F2Fassets.apnews.com2F672F4f2Fa9f07c1c1fe5f50be1cc1d1b53a62Fa187717c21a64848a34086e23d57a43a.jpeg?w=1170)
During the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinals in Kansas City, Missouri, the Baylor Bears confirmed their dominance with a triumphant win over the Cincinnati Bearcats. The No. 14-ranked Baylor team overcame an early challenge to triumph 68-56 on Thursday night.
RayJ Dennis rebounded from an initial struggle, putting up 13 points, while Jalen Bridges contributed 12 points and claimed eight rebounds for Baylor. Yves Missi complemented the effort with 12 points and Ja’Kobe Walter chipped in with 11 points, aiding the third-seeded Bears (23-9) to reach the tournament semifinals once again under the guidance of coach Scott Drew. Baylor is set to face off against the No. 7-ranked Iowa State in hopes of clinching their first-ever Big 12 Tournament title on Friday night.
Dan Skillings Jr. led Cincinnati’s effort with 15 points for the No. 11 seed Bearcats (20-14). Both John Newman III and Jizzle James made notable contributions with 12 points each. Despite having to compete in a demanding game against West Virginia on Tuesday, followed by a robust victory over No. 16 Kansas, the Bearcats exhibited early signs of momentum before it dwindled.
After battling through a tight first half, concluding at 26-24 in favor of Cincinnati, the Bearcats began to exhibit signs of exhaustion in the second half. Their energy seemed to flag, evident in the turn of play and mishandling of the ball that ultimately advantaged Baylor.
Dennis, having overcome a slow start, made significant plays including a 3-pointer pushing Baylor to a 47-33 lead. Though Cincinnati attempted a comeback with a 10-0 burst, they fell short of recapturing the lead.
What’s Next
Cincinnati remains on the edge, hoping for a call to the NCAA Tournament this Sunday, a status they haven’t enjoyed since 2019. Conversely, Baylor aims to continue their successful streak against the Cyclones—a team they narrowly defeated earlier this season.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Baylor’s next game in the Big 12 Tournament?
- Baylor is scheduled to play against Iowa State on Friday night following their quarterfinal win over Cincinnati.
- Has Cincinnati been to the NCAA Tournament since 2019?
- Cincinnati has not made it to the NCAA Tournament since 2019, and they are currently awaiting a decision for this year’s tournament.
- Who led the scoring for the Baylor Bears and the Cincinnati Bearcats?
- For Baylor, RayJ Dennis scored 13 points, while Dan Skillings Jr. was the top scorer for Cincinnati with 15 points.
- Where can I sign up for AP Top 25 basketball updates?
- Fans can sign up for updates and alerts on AP Top 25 basketball throughout the season by following the provided link.
Conclusion
The No. 14-ranked Baylor Bears showcased resilience and depth as they overcame an initial disadvantage to fend off the Cincinnati Bearcats in the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinals. This 68-56 victory not only advances Baylor into the semifinals against Iowa State but also keeps their aspirations for the coveted Big 12 Tournament championship alive. As for Cincinnati, the team awaits the verdict of their NCAA Tournament fate with vigilant optimism.