NR/NR BAYLOR (13-6) 73, NR/NR ALABAMA (12-7) 68
Saturday, January 26, 2019
Ferrell Center (Waco, Texas)
Attendance: 7,094
 
BAYLOR POSTGAME QUOTES
 
Baylor Head Coach Scott Drew
Opening Statement…
"As far as the challenge goes, great way to start for us. Last year, we were disappointed in the way we started in an 11 a.m. game at Florida. We take it very serious how we represent not only Baylor and Baylor Nation but also the Big 12. Very pleased with being able to get a win early in the day for the Big 12."
 
On the bench production…
"Huge. In every game we've won, it's been a team effort. Different people contributing in different ways. As a coach it's a little trickier because you don't know whose day it is or whose night it is. At the same time, the great thing is as long as they keep the team first, then they're cheering on each other and it doesn't become an "I" thing and that's why we've been winning."
 
On outrebounding Alabama…
"First of all, you have two great rebounding teams. They've outrebounded 17 of their 18 opponents, so that's one thing we pride ourselves on. To win second chance points 18-9, that was really big for us and critical. Again, that's a big reason why we've been able to win. It's not one guy, it's a team effort. I'm pleased with how we did on the glass today for sure."
 
On getting second chance points…
"Everyone has different strengths as a player. We have a lot of toughness. I credit the guys for putting out the effort, buying into that and executing that. That toughness and not shying away from contact. Rebounding is work. Sprinting on defense is work. Sprinting on offense is work, and our guys have put in the work on the rebounding side of things."
 
Baylor Junior Devonte Bandoo
On his steal and layup near the end of the game…
"I was just trying to create a spark. I didn't play a lot of minutes, but I was just trying to find a way to get us a spark. The game was getting pretty close. Creating that steal, I wasn't going to go all the way (to the hoop), but I saw a gap so I knew I had to finish or at least try to get a foul. When it went in, I just thought it was a good play."
 
On the bench stepping up…
"I just feel like as long as we're there to help the starters, bring that energy. Today, Matthew (Mayer) had a big spark. We don't know who's going to have that spark game, but if someone does have that spark game, we're going to be on their back helping them out. If that's getting more touches or trying to give them a screen, just get them going. When they get a spark, it opens the game for us and makes it a lot easier for guys coming off the bench."
 
On staying ready for his moment…
"I just stayed ready. The game was close. It's not like we were up 10 or 15. I just tried to stay in, create that spark moment like I have been."
 
Baylor Sophomore Mario Kegler
On how much fun this game was…
"Basketball is always fun. Coming out there and having fun with my team every game. We're going to have our run, they're going to have theirs, it's just who gets the last one. We've just got to have fun and play for each other."
 
On the team playing well right now…
"I feel like we're all just playing together. Going out and having fun, taking our direct shots, no one being selfish, crashing the boards, staying locked in and doing what the coaches say."
 
On what's been different for him the last few games…
"Just calming down. Getting out of my own head, going out there having fun and just playing basketball."

ALABAMA POSTGAME QUOTES
 
Alabama Head Coach Avery Johnson
Opening Statement…
"First of all, I want to give Baylor all the credit in the world. They were tough. They out-rebounded us, which rarely happens. They hustled. They converted our turnovers. They beat us up on second chance points, and we just didn't have our best game today. There were stretches where we played some decent basketball and we got the ball in the middle against their zone and we got some guys some open threes, and Riley Norris gave us a huge lift off the bench. But we just didn't play enough of a 40-minute game to win a game on the road, so this was the opposite of how we played that last game at home. But give them credit. They had a lot to do with it."
 
On second-chance points…
"Even like Mark Vital, he got four offensive rebounds and that was huge for him. That was a big point of emphasis. This was the best offensive rebound team we have faced this year. But there have been some other teams that are bigger and stronger that are great offensive rebounding teams, and we kind of diffuse those situations, but we just didn't do it tonight. Big point of emphasis for us. Second chance points, hustle game. They had one loose ball across from our bench, and they got to the loose ball before we did, and they got on the floor. In our last game at home we had five guys on the floor, so we have been a little inconsistent. We were in the last road game at Tennessee, who is the number one team in the country and came up short. And now, we are right here in this game, turned the ball over. We don't make the right plays at the right time."
 
On Baylor's playing after Tristan Clark went out…
"They have done a nice job. And they have gone small and they are tough. All of those guys can handle the ball. Obviously, without even looking at a stats sheet, (Makai) Mason is a problem. He is experienced and he is crafty. Reminds me of a little baby John Stockton in a lot of ways. I am sure with my age. Obviously we know Jared Butler. He got them off with a good start with a couple three's. But, they have pulled it together. That's what you have got to do cause nobody really feels sorry for you."
 
On playing a Big 12 team in the middle of conference schedule…
"Yes, I really don't complain. I am glad that we are part of it. We are honored to represent our conference. We didn't do a good job. You know, last year we beat Oklahoma at home and now we have come on the road and we didn't do a great job of representing our conference like we wanted to. But I think that it's something that I wanted to be a part of and were a part of in my first two years at Alabama. But it's something I lobbied for and fortunately it worked out for us. And hopefully we can continue to be a part of it. I think it's great for basketball. Especially with the way the SEC has come on for a basketball conference, not a football conference. When you place eight teams in the tournament. You never know. We might get nine in this year with the way things are going. We are honored to be a part of it. I think there are going to be some incredible games today."
 
On turnovers in a tight game…
"In any sport, turnovers, they handcuff you. In any sport. Whether you call it across the street at your football stadium, an interception or a fumble. Or when there's an arrow at a short-stop in baseball or a turnover in basketball. They just hurt you.  Especially when you have the critical ones at the wrong times or if you turn it over and they run out and score at the other end. I used to like turnovers when I was in college. When I was about to turn a ball over, I kind of threw it in the stands a little bit. Cause I didn't want them to score."