No. 5 Baylor makes Sweet 16 for first time since 2021

BLACKSBURG, VA ( FOX 44 ) — The Baylor Bears are still dancing after taking down the fourth-seeded Virginia Tech Hokies, 68-64 in the Round of 32 to advance to their 16th Sweet 16 appearance and first under head coach Nicki Collen.

The Bears traded blows with the host Virginia Tech in Blacksburg in the first half, despite Hokies star Liz Kitley being ruled out. Sarah Andrews returned to form with 14 points in the first half to help give Baylor a six-point lead heading into the halftime break.

However, the second half belonged solely to Baylor junior guard Jada Walker. The Kentucky transfer erupted for 26 points in the third and fourth quarters including the biggest bucket of the game coming off an and-one opportunity with 19.1 seconds remaining to give Baylor a four-point lead and seal the deal.

Walker finished with a career-high 28 points and the Bears are dancing to Portland, Oregon for a matchup in the Sweet 16 to face the winner of USC/Kansas.

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