By Tyler Alley
Sports Editor
The No. 12 Baylor Bears started their season well on their home court, defeating Texas Southern 77-57 on Friday at the Ferrell Center, as the second half of a Baylor basketball doubleheader.
Head coach Scott Drew said it was great to see players step up with sophomore forward Perry Jones III being out of the game due to his suspension.
“With someone like Perry out, now they not only have to adjust to it, but you expect more out of them, and it gives them an opportunity to not only play but be asked to produce,” Drew said. “I think that speeds up the curve of them getting ready.”
Freshman forward Quincy Miller made a great debut for the Bears, leading all scorers with points 17 points, along with four rebounds and a block.
“My teammates were just looking for me to score,” Miller said. “They were just looking for me every time. I just tried to put the ball in the basket.”
Baylor and Texas Southern were tied at eight points until the Bears went on an 11-0 run and never lost the lead from that point on. The 11-0 run was soon followed by a 16-6 run, fueled by a great play from freshman guard Deuce Bello. Bello stole a Texas Southern pass at the top of the key and burst down the court before hitting a slam dunk.
Baylor led 37-30 at halftime. In the second half, Baylor would jump out to a 20-point lead and keep it around that level the rest of the way.
Senior forward Anthony Jones recorded his third career double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
“Losing Perry is huge,” Jones said. “Me being a senior, I had to step up and fill in that void for him.”
After being redshirted a whole year, sophomore Cory Jefferson recorded his first career double-double.
“Feels great. My first official game back off the redshirt,” Jefferson said. “Lot of hard work paid. It was tough sitting out, especially with the rough year it was. It was hard watching. But family and friends, they always stuck by me and the team. They were a big part of helping me get through that year.”
Baylor next plays Jackson State at 6 p.m. on Sunday at the Ferrell Center.
