ANAHEIM, Calif. — The most dominant team of the NCAA Tournament’s West Region has been the region’s lowest remaining seed — No. 6 Baylor.
The Bears (26-11) have won their first two tournament games by a total of 44 points — 74-60 win over Nebraska and 85-55 over Creighton.
“I think we definitely played one of our better games of the year,’’ Baylor coach Scott Drew said of the blowout of the Bluejays. “Creighton probably didn’t play one of their better games, missed some shots that probably they’ve made in the past. At the same time, we know that what you did in the last game has no bearing on what happens in the next game.’’
The carrot waiting for Baylor, if it is able to beat Wisconsin in Thursday’s game at the Honda Center then get past either Arizona or San Diego State is the Final Four in Texas: Its home state.
“Well, definitely our guys know where the Final Four is being played at,’’ Drew said. “It’s a dream of every college athlete to make a Final Four, but when it’s in your home state, it’s even a little more special. I know that’s something that’s motivated our guys throughout the year.’’
The Bears are postseason hardened, owning the nation’s best postseason winning percentage over the last six seasons — .850 (17-3).
“I definitely think postseason experience is helpful,’’ Drew said. “Last year, winning the NIT championship and having success in postseason helps. But it doesn’t guarantee anything. That’s what makes March Madness. If you don’t play and even if you play well, it might be your last game because there are so many great teams and great players.’’
The Final Four site in Arlington is a drive of just 90 minutes or so from the Baylor campus in Waco.
“Obviously, that’s our goal getting back to Arlington and playing in Texas again,” Cory Jefferson said. “But, we’ve got to focus on the games that we have right now.’’
Baylor’s ambassador to Los Angeles this week has been senior guard Gary Franklin, who’s from nearby Inglewood, Calif.
“We went last night to Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles with the team, and I was in a food coma,’’ Franklin said Wednesday. “As far as ticket requests go, I woke up to a long list from my mom. It’s wishful thinking on her part. I definitely won’t be able to get that many tickets, but I’m going to try to accommodate as many family and friends as I can.’’
Particularly if it is a close game, keep an eye out for the free-throw shooting of Arizona and San Diego State, both of which struggled this year. San Diego State shoot 66 percent from the stripe, which ranks 294th out of 351 Division I schools. Arizona is worse — 65.5 percent, which ranks 312th.
Another free-throw stat to keep an eye on Thursday is with Wisconsin, which has made more fouls shots (602) than its opponents have taken (523).