The Baylor University Bears men’s basketball team secured a decisive 68-48 victory over the University of Cincinnati Bearcats at Foster Pavilion in Waco, Texas, on Tuesday. Bahamian freshman guard Valdez ‘VJ’ Edgecombe led the charge for Baylor, scoring 18 points, including a remarkable streak of 11 consecutive points.

Baylor, now holding a 10-4 win/loss record with a 2-1 mark in the Big 12 Conference, showcased a robust defense during the first half. This defensive effort, combined with Edgecombe’s impressive first-half performance offensively, set the stage for a strong start in the second half against Cincinnati, which now stands at 10-4 overall and 0-3 in the Big 12.

The victory marked Baylor’s fourth consecutive win against the Bearcats over the last two seasons, highlighting their dominance in recent matchups. Additionally, the win extended Baylor’s home-winning streak to 10 games, ranking as the fourth-longest active streak in the Big 12 Conference and tying for the 10th longest in program history. This streak is Baylor’s longest since a 12-game span across the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Edgecombe played a significant role in the team’s success, contributing 18 points and four rebounds over 30 minutes on the court. He efficiently converted 7-of-13 shots, demonstrating his scoring ability. In the second half, Cincinnati managed to score eight of the first 14 points. However, Baylor responded promptly with crucial baskets, securing a 41-28 lead.

Baylor continued to expand its lead, reaching 50-33 after a basket from Norchad Omier, an and-one play from Edgecombe and a successful three-pointer from Jayden Nunn with 11:35 left in regulation. Edgecombe further energized his team with a powerful dunk in transition, pushing the lead to 52-33 with 11 minutes remaining. Omier extended the lead beyond 20 points with a putback shot off an offensive rebound, contributing to a decisive 7-0 scoring run that effectively sealed the game.

The Bears’ victory underscores their strong performance at home and their continued success in conference play. As they build on this momentum, Baylor aims to maintain its winning streak and further establish its stature within the Big 12 Conference.