No. 42 posts 41 points in less than 40 minutes of play
By Krista Pirtle
Sports Writer
The No. 1 Baylor Lady Bears recorded a perfect conference season after defeating Iowa State 77-53.
Junior Brittney Griner recorded a career high 41 points and tied a career high with 15 field goals made.
“That is straight talent,” junior Destiny Williams said. “She worked with what the defense gave her.”
Williams notched a double double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Iowa State head coach Bill Fennelly mentioned that his team’s focus defensively was on Williams.
“We didn’t do a good job against her,” Fennelly said.
The game was tied at the half at 32 due to seven Cyclone three-pointers.
Noticing the pace of the game was favoring Iowa State, Baylor’s assistant coaches told Mulkey to go to a press.
In the full court 2-2-1 zone, the game changed: Iowa State turned the ball over, and the Lady Bears scored 16 points off the turnovers.
Baylor had 12 steals on the afternoon. “It was a great decision,” Baylor head coach Kim Mulkey said. “Give the assistant coaches credit.”
Because of increased tempo, the Cyclones could not get back into their offensive rhythm. After the 15:37 mark in the second half, Baylor outscored Iowa State 34-10.
The Lady Bears will head to Kansas City, Miss. for the Big 12 Tournament. With a first round bye, Baylor will play Thursday morning.