The Baylor Bears women’s basketball team is back on the road, hungry to bounce back after a tough home defeat as they travel to Orlando to face the UCF Knights this Sunday. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. CT at Addition Financial Arena, where the Bears will look to steady the ship against a UCF squad that’s struggled in Big 12 play. With the postseason looming, every game matters—and for Baylor, the stakes are especially high as they chase their 14th Big 12 regular-season crown.
Coming into the matchup, Baylor holds a 21-5 overall record and sits at 10-3 in conference play, good enough for a tie with TCU and Texas Tech, and just half a game behind West Virginia. The Bears are ranked No. 12 in the AP Top 25 and No. 11 in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll, marking their 21st consecutive week in the AP rankings and an impressive 362nd appearance over the last two decades—second only to perennial powerhouse UConn.
But the Bears are licking their wounds after a stunning 83-67 loss at home to No. 17 TCU. That defeat snapped their momentum and served as a wake-up call as they enter a grueling stretch—Sunday’s contest is the second of five games in just 12 days. The fatigue factor is real, but so is the determination in Nicki Collen’s squad.
“We have to regroup and get back to doing what we do best—defending, rebounding, and playing as a team,” said Collen, who has guided Baylor to the upper echelons of the Big 12 since taking over the reins. The Bears’ defensive credentials are unquestioned: they lead the Big 12 in blocks per game (6.7, No. 3 nationally) and three-point percentage defense (24.8%, also No. 3 nationally). They’re also top-three in the league for field goal percentage defense, defensive rebounds per game, total rebounds, scoring defense, and overall winning percentage.
Despite the setback against TCU, the Bears’ season-long body of work remains strong. They’re ranked No. 28 in the NET as of February 12, and their 3-4 record against Quadrant 1 opponents includes a signature victory over Duke in Paris to kick off the campaign. The team’s consistency has them firmly in the hunt for another conference title, but the margin for error is razor-thin as the regular season winds down.
One bright spot in the loss to TCU was the milestone achievement of Taliah Scott. The dynamic guard reached her 1,000th career point, finishing the night with 22 points, three triples, nine free throws, and two steals. Scott’s scoring prowess is remarkable—she reached the 1,000-point plateau in just her 48th career game, averaging 21.1 points per outing. According to NCAA records, she’s only the 22nd Division I player since 2000 to reach the milestone in 48 games or fewer, tying for the 19th fastest mark in that span.
“It means a lot, but I want to keep helping my team win,” Scott said after the game. “My teammates put me in great positions, and I’m just trying to do my part.” Her humility belies her impact; Scott’s ability to score in bunches and create for others makes her a focal point for every opposing defense.
The Bears’ opponent on Sunday, the UCF Knights, have endured a challenging season. Sitting at 10-14 overall and just 2-11 in Big 12 action, UCF has struggled to find traction under head coach Sytia Messer. The Knights are coming off a lopsided defeat to West Virginia, falling 106-56 as the Mountaineers had six players score in double digits. For UCF, the game against Baylor represents an opportunity to play spoiler and gain some momentum as the season winds down.
Baylor and UCF are no strangers to each other, having met six times previously, with this being the seventh encounter and the fourth since UCF joined the Big 12. The Bears dominated the earlier matchup this season, winning by 25 points. If history is any guide, Baylor’s size, athleticism, and defensive tenacity could again prove decisive—but in college basketball, nothing is ever a given, especially on the road.
Meanwhile, the rest of the Big 12 landscape is heating up. TCU’s victory over Baylor not only tightened the race at the top but also showcased the Horned Frogs’ star power. Olivia Miles delivered a performance for the ages in Waco, pouring in a career-high 40 points, including 10 of 20 shooting from deep, and a jaw-dropping 23 points in the third quarter alone. Her backcourt partner, Marta Suarez, added a season-high 27 points, and together they matched Baylor’s entire team output. TCU’s win moved them to 22-4 overall and 10-3 in conference play, putting them squarely in contention for another league title.
For Baylor, the loss underscored the importance of rebounding and perimeter defense. TCU won the battle on the boards, 39-31, and limited Baylor to just 28% shooting from beyond the arc. The Bears will need to shore up those areas if they’re to avoid another upset in Orlando.
Looking ahead, Baylor’s schedule doesn’t get any easier. After UCF, the Bears face a gauntlet of conference foes, with every game carrying significant implications for seeding and championship hopes. The team’s depth and experience will be tested, but with leaders like Scott and a defensive mindset, they remain a tough out for any opponent.
Fans can catch Sunday’s game on ESPN+ or listen live on the Baylor Sports Media Network via FOX Sports Radio 93.9FM. Scott Adams, BJ Taylor, and Berkleigh Mezzanotte will be on the call for the broadcast, while Derek Smith and Lori Fogleman handle radio duties.
As the Bears prepare to take the court in Orlando, the mission is clear: get back in the win column, keep pace in the Big 12 race, and build momentum for the postseason. With the conference standings this tight, and the pressure mounting, every possession counts—starting with Sunday’s showdown against UCF.
Whether Baylor can shake off the TCU loss and reassert their dominance remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain: with Scott’s scoring, Collen’s defensive schemes, and the program’s championship pedigree, the Bears are primed for another thrilling stretch run.