WACO, Texas -- Sophomore Josh Bowling hit four triples and scored a team-best 14 points, but the John Brown University men's basketball team had too much to contend with as NCAA Division I Baylor (Texas) shot nearly 60 percent from the floor to post a 107-53 decision on Sunday afternoon inside the Farrell Center.
Bowling, who hit 5-of-10 from the field, scored 14 while sophomores Marquis Waller and Jake Caudle each added nine, as the Golden Eagles (9-4) wrapped up back-to-back NCAA I road exhibition games. JBU lost at Oral Roberts in another exhibition on Dec. 10. Waller shot 4-of-7 from the floor, adding a team-best three 3-pointers, while Caudle converted 3-of-8 triple attempts.
All 11 Bears who played scored at least one basket, and Johnathan Motley had 20 points and nine rebounds for Baylor.
Fourth-ranked Baylor (11-0) shot 59 percent from the floor, including an 11 for 21 clip from 3-point range, dominated on the boards by a 51-15 margin and forced 18 turnovers that turned into 19 points on the other end.
Al Freeman added 16 points for Baylor, Jo Lual-Acuil and Wendell Mitchell had 11 apiece, and Terry Maston finished with 10. Nobody played more than 21 minutes, but 10 Bears logged at least 17.
"We were just thankful for the opportunity today," John Brown coach Jason Beschta said. "You don't come in resigned that you're going to get smashed. You come in and want to compete and get better in a game like this. But it is exciting for a small school to be able to come into this kind of environment."
Getting the ball inside proved to be a chore against the size and athleticism of Baylor's front line, but the Golden Eagles had some success from deep with six triples in the first half and nine overall. They also struggled to a 2-of-12 night at the free-throw line.
JBU returns to action on Jan. 5 when it welcomes Southwestern Christian (Okla.) to Bill George Arena for Sooner Athletic Conference play. Tip is slated for 8 p.m.
Sports on 12/21/2016