Baylor Edges UCF In Overtime Thriller To Advance In Big 12 Tournament

Baylor Edges UCF In Overtime Thriller To Advance In Big 12 Tournament...

Baylor survived a late-game scare to defeat UCF 78-75 in overtime during the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinals on Monday night. The Bears, led by guard Ja'Kobe Walter's 24 points, secured their spot in the semifinals while ending UCF's postseason run in a heartbreaker.

The game, played at Kansas City's T-Mobile Center, drew national attention as a potential upset after UCF forced overtime with a clutch three-pointer in the final seconds of regulation. Baylor's veteran composure ultimately prevailed, but social media erupted over the Knights' gritty performance as a tournament underdog.

This matchup is trending today as the Big 12 Tournament determines NCAA March Madness seeding. Baylor (22-9) now faces Houston in Friday's semifinal, while UCF (17-14) awaits potential NIT consideration. The game marked UCF's first Big 12 Tournament appearance since joining the conference this season.

Fans particularly debated a controversial no-call on Baylor's final defensive possession, with ESPN analysts split on the officiating. The game drew 4.2 million viewers, making it the most-watched Big 12 quarterfinal in five years according to Nielsen ratings.

Both teams now await Selection Sunday on March 12, when Baylor expects a 4-seed or better in the NCAA Tournament. UCF head coach Johnny Dawkins told reporters postgame: "We proved we belong in this conference. These guys left everything on the floor."

The Big 12 Tournament continues through Saturday at T-Mobile Center, with the championship game airing on ESPN. Baylor last won the event in 2021 en route to their national title run.