No. 16 Baylor opened its home slate with a mix of fast offense and stretches of inconsistency, but the Bears found stability in the scoring of Taliah Scott and the steady two-way play of Bella Fontleroy en route to their 33rd straight home-opening win.

Fresh off a statement win over No. 7 Duke in Paris, Baylor women’s basketball looks poised to build on its momentum. With returning stars, key transfers and a growing national spotlight, the Bears are setting the tone for a season built on chemistry and championship ambition.

Redshirt sophomore guard Taliah Scott delivered on her high expectations Monday, leading No. 16 Baylor women’s basketball to an upset win over No. 7 Duke. Scott’s 24 points lifted the Bears to their first top-10 win in almost two years.

Back on the court and back in command, Jana Van Gytenbeek guided a fast-paced Baylor squad that found its rhythm and closed strong, cruising past West Texas A&M 86-46 in its preseason tune-up at Foster Pavilion.

Even after graduating six seniors, Baylor women’s basketball opens the season with experience at its core. Four-year veterans are carrying the culture and expectations that head coach Nicki Collen believes will define the program.

Baylor women’s basketball announced the addition of Auburn transfer guard Taliah Scott to the program on Monday. Scott will have three years of eligibility remaining after suffering a season-ending injury in 2024-25.