The Baylor men’s basketball team, boasting a 3-0 record, is gearing up for its next challenge as they head to Las Vegas for the Players Era Tournament. On Monday, the Bears will face the Creighton Bluejays at Michelob ULTRA Arena, marking the beginning of their participation in this prestigious event. Fans can catch the action on truTV, with commentary from Brian Anderson, Grant Hill, and Lauren Jbara. Additionally, the Baylor Sports Media Network will provide live coverage, featuring the Voice of the Bears, Pat Nunley.
Baylor will compete in a total of three games in Las Vegas, facing RV/RV Creighton at 1 p.m. CT on Monday and 14/16 St. John’s at 4 p.m. CT on Tuesday. The Bears have a competitive history with Creighton, with seven previous encounters, of which five occurred on neutral courts. Head coach Scott Drew leads the all-time series with a narrow 4-3 advantage, including notable matchups against Creighton’s coach, Greg McDermott.
Historically, Baylor has excelled in conference tournaments under Drew, showcasing a 43-14 record, including victories in four of the last six tournaments. Since 2013-14, the Bears have maintained a strong presence, with a remarkable 30-6 record in regular-season tournaments. Their success includes seven tournament titles, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
A standout player for Baylor, averaging 23.7 points per game, has emerged as a key contributor, ranking 10th nationally and fourth in the Big 12. This performance is underscored by his impressive 28 points in his debut against UTRGV, matching a record high for a Baylor debut game. Additionally, another player recorded a double-double against RV/RV Washington, underscoring the depth and talent within the team.
Baylor’s offense has displayed remarkable balance, with four or more players scoring in double figures across all three games played so far, demonstrating their offensive prowess. The Bears rank fifth in the Big 12 for scoring offense, averaging 89.3 points per game. Their efficiency is evident as they also hold a 63.0% two-point field-goal percentage, placing them high in national rankings.
Furthermore, the Bears have shown resilience as one of three high-major programs, alongside Miami and Memphis, with no returning players. This statistic adds to the narrative of a new era for Baylor, as they look to perform strongly throughout the season and uphold their competitive legacy in college basketball.