Baylor freshmen come up big, aiding Odyssey Sims in putting away Kentucky to reach Elite Eight

RT to congratulate your Lady Bears on their fourth Elite 8 in the last five years. #SicEm pic.twitter.com/OVEUd6wMGF

— Baylor Lady Bears (@BaylorWBB) March 29, 2014

 

Baylor (32-4, 16-2 Big 12) exacted revenge on Kentucky (26-9, 10-6 SEC) in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament beating the Wildcats 90-72 in South Bend, Ind. Unlike December’s record-breaking quadruple overtime regular season 133-130 matchup against Kentucky that ended in a Lady Bear loss, Baylor completed their mission within regulation. Baylor has reached the Elite Eight for the fourth time in five years.

Senior Odyssey Sims, the nation’s second-leading scorer, led her team with 25 points and seven assists. Freshman Nina Davis added 20 points plus eight rebounds while fellow first-year Khadijiah Cave had a career-high 18 points plus nine rebounds. Sophomore Niya Johnson tallied a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Sims reached 1,000 points on the season during the game, putting her 41 points behind Jackie Stiles’ season record of 1,062 set in 2001.

DeNesha Stallworth led Kentucky with 19 points and eight rebounds. Linnea Harper came off the bench for 14 points and Bria Goss added 13.

Baylor will face the winner of the Oklahoma State – Notre Dame matchup Monday night. The game will be televised on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. ET.