Scott Drew admits Creighton loss felt like 'their night'

Baylor‘s national championship hopes were tarnished on Sunday night, as they fell to Creighton 85-76 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Bears gave a valiant effort, but it seemed like nobody could have stopped the Bluejays they way they were shooting the ball on offense, which Baylor head coach Scott Drew discussed after the game.

“Normally the second game people you have tired legs, and 11 for 24 definitely didn’t show that. So credit them for making shots, 22 from the free-throw line is outstanding, especially in the second game, to go to a Sweet Sixteen,” Drew said.

Creighton shot an impressive 47.3% from the field and 45.8% from the three-point line, burying 11 three-pointers on the night and making all 22 of their free throw attempts. The Bluejays were led by Ryan Nembhard, who his four three-pointers himself and ended the night with a career-high 30 points.

Just six players scored points for the Creighton, with four scoring in double-figures, but the offensive end was the only place they made an impact. As Drew also detailed their impressive work on the defensive end of the floor.

“Defensively they’re the No. 1 defense in the Big East, so they’ve got a good defense, it starts with their shot blocker,” Drew said. “They got length on the perimeter, did a good job making it tough for us. But take the free-throw line, for instance; no one is guarding us there, and for them to go 22 for 22, felt kind of like their night tonight.”

LJ Cyer still managed to have a career-high 30 points for the Bears, setting a single-game school record for an NCAA Tournament game, but it would not be enough to lead Baylor to victory.

“(Francisco) Farabello had been struggling from the field, gave him a big lift, and you’ve got to credit them. They’re a real good team. That’s why they’re ranked seventh in the nation at one point, and it wasn’t like we lost because we lost; they beat us today,” Drew admitted.

Baylor forced turnovers and shot well from the field, but their three-point shooting struggles combined with the hot hands of Creighton ended up being too much. The Bears have nothing to be ashamed of, losing to a formidable opponent in the tournament and finishing the season with a 23-11 record, as they now head into the offseason following back-to-back losses in the round of 32 following their National Championship in 2021.