Three Keys for a Baylor Win Against Oklahoma in the Crown Tournament Semifinals

After a tough loss to Arizona State earlier in March, many questions arose when Baylor was selected to the College Basketball Crown tournament. But Baylor excelled against Minnesota Wednesday night and now moves on to face Oklahoma on the 4th. Here are a few things the Bears need to keep up if they want to finish this year with the College Basketball Crown Championship.

Crashing The Paint

Cameron Carr and Tounde Yessoufou were a force when driving to the rack, and I think that's been their most successful way to attack a defense. Getting 38 points in the paint, with Carr having several beautiful, contested drives. It's clear Baylor's physicality played a toll. If they can continue to attack the paint, these two young guns are a force when driving.

Oklahoma ranks 265th in points allowed, with over 77 points allowed per game. They also have one of the worst net rankings in defense as well. If Baylor can attack the rim and have a decent shooting night, they should come out with a win.

Mar 7, 2026; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears guard Tounde Yessoufou (24) dunks the ball ahead of Utah Utes guard Obomate Abbey (21) during the second half at Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Obi Agbim

A player who hasn't had the best shooting percentages this year had a really solid game, going five for eight from the three, two steals, and six rebounds. Obi was a huge factor in the win, with Carr and Tounde struggling from three, Carr only hitting one for seven, and Tounde missing four.

If we could see a more consistent performance like this from Obi, when Carr and Tounde are on from three as well, this offense can be very scary and can score in bunches. Other than him dropping 19 against Colorado in February, I would say this is one of his best games as a Bear. Obi was able to take some of the weight off of Cameron Carr after not having the greatest night shooting.

Feb 28, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Baylor Bears guard Obi Agbim (5) shoots against UCF Knights guard Riley Kugel (2) during the second half at Addition Financial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Physicality on the Defensive Side

Minnesota kept the game close in the first half, with Baylor up by just five points. But in the second half, I saw a way more physical defense from the Bears. They were getting steals, being aggressive on the defensive rebounds, and really imposing their will to add pressure to Minnesota.

This type of defense is what allows your offense to pull away. It could have just been a bad night for the Gophers, or a mix of great effort on defense. Anytime you hold a team under 50 points, the defense has to have some kind of credit. Baylor had five steals and four blocks while also creating eight turnovers. Defensive performances like this will help Baylor against a top-40 scoring offense.