Baylor basketball suffered its second loss of the season in a 77-62 defeat to Tennessee during the Baha Mar Championship on Friday night. Tennessee’s relentless first-half performance overwhelmed the Bears, who struggled with turnovers and allowed sharp-shooter Chaz Lanier to dominate early.
After the game, Baylor head coach Scott Drew praised Tennessee’s resilience and skill, as well as the coaching prowess of Rick Barnes. “Coach Barnes is an unbelievable coach and an even better person. If you have a weakness, they’ll expose it,” Drew admitted, referencing Tennessee’s tough defensive pressure and dominance on the boards in the first half.
Despite the loss, Drew found positives in Baylor’s improved second-half performance. He emphasized the value of challenging early-season matchups like this, noting that while such games can risk shaking a team’s confidence, they are crucial for long-term growth. “Diamonds are formed under pressure,” Drew remarked, highlighting the learning opportunities for his relatively new roster as they prepare for the grind of Big 12 conference play.
Looking ahead, Drew expressed optimism about his team’s ability to improve, stating, “We’re making strides.” The Bears will aim to build on these lessons as they continue to develop cohesion and refine their game.
