Hailey
WACO, Texas – In a commanding performance on Monday night, Taliah Scott led the No. 18 Baylor women’s basketball team with 20 points as the Bears overwhelmed Kansas State by a final score of 80‑54 in their final home game of the regular season.
The victory improves Baylor’s record to 24‑6 overall and 13‑4 in the Big 12 Conference, while Kansas State falls to 15‑15 and 8‑9 in league play.
Game Overview And Team Performance
Baylor never trailed in the contest and built an early lead, entering halftime ahead 35‑26. The Bears widened the gap in the third quarter with a pivotal 13‑2 run, powered by three 3‑pointers from Bella Fontleroy, helping push the lead to 48‑28.
Baylor’s excellent shooting was key, as the team finished 50% (13 of 26) from 3‑point range. Meanwhile, Kansas State struggled offensively, shooting 34% overall and committing 14 turnovers.
Baylor also controlled the glass, outrebounding Kansas State 43‑29, underscoring their dominance on both ends of the floor.
Leading Scorers And Stats
- Taliah Scott: 20 points, including five 3‑pointers—marking the 19th time this season she has reached the 20‑point scoring mark.
- Bella Fontleroy: 16 points with four 3‑pointers, leading the third‑quarter offensive surge.
- Darianna Littlepage‑Buggs: 10 points and 11 rebounds, recording her 12th double‑double of the season.
- Jana Van Gytenbeek: Provided leadership with five points and eight assists.
For Kansas State, Jordan Speiser and Tess Heal each scored 12 points, while Brandie Harrod added 10 points. Taryn Sides, who leads the Wildcats in scoring during the season with 12.7 points per game, was held scoreless in 12 minutes.
Detailed Game Statistics
| Statistic | Baylor Bears | Kansas State Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 80 | 54 |
| Overall Record (2025‑26) | 24‑6 (13‑4 Big 12) | 15‑15 (8‑9 Big 12) |
| Points Leader | Taliah Scott (20) | Jordan Speiser (12) |
| 3‑Point Field Goals | 13 of 26 (50%) | 34% overall |
| Rebounds | 43 | 29 |
| Turnovers | N/A | 14 |
| Double‑doubles | 1 (Littlepage‑Buggs) | 0 |
| Assists Leader | Jana Van Gytenbeek | N/A |
Key Moments And Tactics
Baylor’s shooting accuracy from beyond the arc proved decisive. The Bears’ ability to spread the floor and knock down perimeter shots forced Kansas State to defend at multiple levels, opening driving lanes and second‑chance opportunities. Their third‑quarter surge essentially put the game out of reach, as Baylor outscored the Wildcats 25‑14 in the frame.
Defensively, Baylor applied strong pressure, causing turnovers and limiting Kansas State’s scoring rhythm. The Wildcats’ few open looks often went unconverted, which allowed Baylor to maintain control throughout the contest.
What’s Next For Both Teams
With the regular season winding down, Baylor will travel to face No. 11 TCU in their regular‑season finale. The Bears can solidify a strong seeding position for postseason play with another win. Kansas State returns home to take on Iowa State, seeking to boost its conference standing and close the season on a positive note.
The Baylor Bears showcased a complete and well‑balanced performance against Kansas State, highlighted by Taliah Scott’s 20‑point masterclass and a collective team effort from all contributors. Dominant shooting, staunch defense, and rebounding control were the pillars of a convincing 80‑54 win, further cementing Baylor’s status as a national contender this season.