Baylor uses strong second half to overpower Villanova, earn trip to Elite 8

Yahoo Sports College reporter Krysten Peek explains how Baylor’s second half defense stifled Villanova and sent the Bears through to their first Elite 8 since 2012.

Video transcript

KRYSTEN PEEK: The number-one seed Baylor holds off number five Villanova, 62 to 51, to advance to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2012. Villanova led by 7 at halftime despite missing their star point guard, Collin Gillespie, who was sidelined last month with an MCL tear.

Baylor is a great 3-point shooting team, shooting 42% from deep during the season, but this was one of their worst shooting performances, going 3-for-19 from the 3-point line. Despite the outside shots not falling, the Bears found other ways to get to the rim and forced nine turnovers in the second half, creating easy baskets in transition.

Baylor went on an 8 and 0 run with eight minutes left in the game, extending the lead to 6. And Villanova didn't have enough in the tank to make a run and come back. Adam Flagler led the Bears with 16 points, and Davion Mitchell added 14. Baylor keeps the dream season alive and will play Monday night and try to advance to the Final Four for the first time since 1950.