The ride home from Memphis will seem a lot shorter for Baylor after overcoming a ten-point first half deficit with a shutdown defensive effort in the middle quarters to defeat Christian Brothers, 65-51, in the Division II-AA quarterfinals on Saturday.
The Red Raiders advance to the state tournament under first-year coach Mark Price next Thursday hosted at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena, their second consecutive trip to the Final Four after a six-year absence. Baylor lost in the championship game last year to Brentwood Academy in the final game of coach Austin Clark’s 36-year tenure with the Red Raiders.
Christian Brothers’ Chandler Jackson scored 11 first quarter points to enable the Purple Wave to lead 24-16 after one period. The lead swelled to ten early in the second frame, 30-20, before Baylor responded with success from the perimeter.
“We were down by ten, but they were making some tough shots. Our defense was fine and we knew if we could keep forcing them take those difficult shots, it’ll work out,” Price said. “We felt like we were getting better shots than they were, and that over the course of 32 minutes we would be fine. It finally balanced itself out over the second and third quarters.”
Baylor (22-5) closed out the first half on a 19-1 run thanks to four three-pointers to lead at intermission, 39-31. The Red Raiders expanded their advantage by holding the Purple Wave to only six third-quarter points, leading by 14 entering the final stanza.
Christian Brothers (20-9) attempted to extend its comeback hopes by repeatedly sending Baylor to the free throw line in the fourth quarter. However, the Red Raiders were able to connect on 10-of-16 charity tosses to maintain a comfortable margin over the Purple Wave.
Baylor had three players in double figures, led by Mr. Basketball finalist Beyaun Hendricks with 20. Nick Kurtz added 17 for the Red Raiders, while Blake Pruitt finished with 11.
“Beyaun got into the paint and made good reads in distributing the ball,” White said. “I thought Lorenzo White had a great game that doesn’t show up in the box score. Christian Brothers is a great offensive rebounding team, and he really was big on the defensive glass for us.”
Jackson closed with 21 for Christian Brothers, the lone Purple Wave player in double digits.
After starting the season 19-2, Baylor dropped three of their final six contests. But the late stumble didn’t deter Price’s optimism heading into the championship round.
“The biggest thing for me is these kids deserve to play in the state tournament,” Price said. “I feel like we’re one of the best teams in our division. I think our team has demonstrated over 27 games we belong there, and now we get the chance to play it out.”
Baylor 16 23 12 14 -- 65
Christian Bros. 24 7 6 14 -- 51
BAYLOR (65) – Hendricks 20, Kurtz 17, Pippenger 3, Linderman 6, White 5, Pruitt 11, Moore 3.
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS (51) – Jackson 21, Federman, Channell 2, Owens 5, Kelly 7, McMullen 5, Tavoleti, Spencer Stalnaker 2, Sublette, Sam Stalnaker, Spence 4, Norton 5.
3-Pointers: Baylor 7 (Hendricks 3, Linderman 2, Pruitt 2); Christian Brothers 3 (Owens, Kelly, McMullen).
(Contact Paul Payne at paulpayne6249@gmail.com or via Twitter @Paul_A_Payne)