Boulder, CO – Colorado upset Baylor 76-74 on Saturday to earn its second straight Big 12 Conference victory. Julian Hammond III hit a pair of free throws with 17 seconds left which put Colorado up by four to seal the victory.
Baylor led 32-30 at the half, but Colorado went on a 9-0 run to take a 71-61 lead with 4:32 left. Sebastian Rancik keyed the run with a three-pointer and two free throws. Baylor closed gap to two with 29 seconds left after Jalen Celestine made a three-point jump shot and a layup. Hammond then hit the critical free throws.
Norchad Ormier led Baylor with 18 points and 13 rebounds and Langston Love added 17 points. Andrej Jakimovski led Colorado with 17 points. Rancik, Hammond III, and RJ Smith all scored in double digits for Colorado.
Baylor fell to 16-11 overall and 8-8 in conference play. Colorado improved to 11-16 and 2-14 in the conference.
Players to watch
VJ Edgecombe (Baylor) Freshman. 6’5” 180 SG
Edgecombe is an exceptional athlete. He has a 6’5” wingspan (+1) and an 8’3” standing reach. He has a great motor and is an excellent defender. A slight change in his mechanics has helped him improve his three point-shooting to 36% through 24 games. He is averaging 14.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.
He does not possess a tight handle but has very good court vision and is extremely unselfish. He did not shoot well against Colorado but had seven assists and executed a few pick and rolls with Norchad Omier. Edgecombe played for the Bahamian national team in the Olympic qualifiers. I believe that he is a high lottery pick and will land in the top five picks overall.
Norchad Omier (Baylor) Graduate, 6’7” PF
Omier is from Nicaragua and has played for Arkansas State and Miami. He has a 6’11.5” wingspan and an 8’8.5” standing reach. His long arms and strong body make him a very effective low post player. He has good footwork and uses ball fakes and nice low post moves to finish in the post. He is a very good screener and has good hands and can finish in pick and roll situations. He does not possess a fluid perimeter shot and plays below the rim. He projects as a G League player or a high-level European player for a team that prizes his skill set.
Julian Hammond III (Colorado) Senior, 6’2” 195 CG
Hammond III leads Colorado in scoring, assists, and steals. He has had to play as a point guard, while he is more effective playing the two.
Sebastian Rancik (Colorado) Freshman. 6’9” 210 PF
Rancik is a young player to watch as he develops. He is said to be closer to 6’10” and is very skilled. He can shoot the three spotting up, off movement, and off the dribble. He has good footwork and can finish in the paint. He is a solid defender who kept the talented Edgecombe in front of him on a couple of isolations. He has good lateral quickness. He must get stronger. His lack of strength makes it difficult for him to finish through contact.
This article was written by Dave Maron, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Facebook, or on twitter.
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