THE RUNDOWN
WACO, Texas (AP) - Royce O'Neale scored 16 points and had 12 rebounds as Baylor beat Texas Tech 59-49 Saturday even as the Bears went the final 8 minutes without making a field goal.
The Bears (19-10, 7-9 Big 12) led 50-36 after Taurean Prince completed a three-point play with 8:05 left in the game. They didn't make another field goal, but Kenny Chery hit seven consecutive free throws in the final 3 minutes before a miss.
Brady Heslip added 14 points for Baylor, which got a needed victory for its NCAA tournament hopes.
Robert Turner had 12 points for Texas Tech (13-16, 5-11), which had beaten Baylor at home by 10 points.
Baylor shot just 30 percent overall (16 of 53). The Bears had more offensive rebounds than defensive (21 to 19).
HIGHLIGHTS
• Today marks Drew's 12th win against Texas Tech, the most against any team.
• Baylor shot 80% (20-25) from the free throw line, the Bears' second-highest percentage this season.
• Baylor had 21 offensive rebounds and 19 defensive rebounds. Baylor has had more offensive rebounds than defensive rebounds in both meetings against Texas Tech this season.
• Royce O'Neale recorded a double-double, the first of his Baylor career - had had five double-doubles in two season at Denver.
• O'Neale had a career-high 12 rebounds, 5 of which were offensive, also a career high.
• O'Neale finished with 16 points, the second-highest total of his career.
• Brady Heslip (4-of-11 from 3-point range) had his 14th game of the season making 4 or more three pointers and the 32nd of his career.
• Heslip (four threes made) has connected on a three-pointer in every game he has started this season.
• Kenny Chery had his 14th game with at least 5 assists. Baylor is 10-4 in those games.
• Chery set a career high with both nine free throws made, and 10 attempted.
STAT OF THE GAME
Baylor had 21 offensive rebounds, 12 more than Texas Tech.
TWEET OF THE GAME
TOP QUOTE
"Royce O'Neale is very talented. I like his game. He is a good, solid player and doing such a good job. He is the glue guy." - Texas Tech head coach Tubby Smith
WHAT'S NEXT
Baylor hosts Iowa State Tuesday (March 4) at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN2.
