WACO, Texas — West Virginia didn’t have a defensive post presence, and No. 2 Baylor capitalized. Over and over.
Kalani Brown scored 17 points, Lauren Cox added 13 and the Bears’ backups also reached double figures during a 79-47 blowout Sunday.
Freshmen NaLyssa Smith had 11 points and Queen Egbo scored 10 as Baylor (15-1, 5-0 Big 12) won its 30th consecutive game at the Ferrell Center.
“We knew exactly what they were going to run. We couldn’t stop it,” said West Virginia coach Mike Carey. “They just keep coming at you in the paint. Even their freshmen coming off the bench, just pound the paint.”
Tynice Martin scored 18 points and Madisen Smith added 11 points and five assists for the Mountaineers (12-5, 3-3), who shot 30 percent from the field. Naomi Davenport added 10 points and six rebounds.
Baylor point guard Chloe Jackson dished out a career-high 10 assists.
Davenport’s 3-pointer to open the second quarter pulled West Virginia to within 18-16, but Baylor responded with a 20-2 run.
“You won’t beat Baylor by hitting 3’s,” Carey said. “You have to penetrate, jump stop. When you have opportunities to attack, attack. We didn’t do that.”
Baylor led by 23 at the break and coasted while holding WVU to a season-low 47 points.
Juicy Landrum contributed 13 points and eight assists for Baylor.
“I was really proud that we were able to rest some kids,” said Bears coach Kim Mulkey, whose team hosts No. 18 Iowa State in three days. “We’ve got a big game here again Wednesday and going to have to chase shooters all over the floor. So, the more minutes you can get and use your bench, it’s good for you.”
West Virginia returns home to face Texas Tech on Wednesday.
“We took a beating,” Carey said. “I think Baylor is very good. I’ve watched lot of teams on TV and I think they are as good as anybody in the country. I think they just keep coming in the paint on you. What did they have on us — 50-something points in the paint? I just think even their freshman coming off the bench just pound the paint. So, very good basketball team. Disappointed. We just totally quit blocking out.”
