Baylor Pulls Away Late to Secure Win Over GPS

Final Score: Baylor 53, GPS 41

In a tightly contested matchup, Baylor held off GPS with a dominant fourth quarter, securing a hard-fought victory on the road. Led by Amiya Leach's stellar 20-point performance, the Red Raiders overcame multiple pushes from the Bruisers to close out the game strong.

First Half: Back-and-Forth Battle
The game opened with both teams trading baskets, setting the tone for a competitive night. Baylor found early success through strong inside play and transition opportunities, but GPS matched their intensity, keeping the game close.
By the end of the first quarter, Baylor held a narrow 15-13 lead, with Xahara Wills and Rory Oleksik making key contributions. GPS stayed aggressive, attacking the basket and capitalizing on second-chance points to keep the Red Raiders from pulling away. The second quarter saw a continuation of the back-and-forth action. Baylor looked to create separation, but GPS answered every run. Baylor led 24-22 at halftime, setting the stage for an intense second half.

Third Quarter: Baylor Holds On as GPS Rallies
The second half started with Baylor striking first, scoring just three seconds in to extend the lead to 28-22. GPS quickly responded, keeping the pressure on.
A crucial moment came when Rory Oleksik knocked down a clutch three-pointer at 6:50, giving Baylor some breathing room at 31-24. However, GPS refused to go away, chipping away at the deficit with consistent trips to the free-throw line.  By the end of the third quarter, GPS had closed the gap to just two points, with Baylor clinging to a 35-33 lead heading into the final period.

Fourth Quarter: Baylor Takes Control
With the game up for grabs, Baylor stepped up in the fourth quarter, outscoring GPS 18-8 to secure the victory. Amiya Leach took over, scoring nine of her game-high 20 points in the final frame. Xahara Willis added 11 points, while Rory Oleksik finished with 10, providing a balanced offensive attack. Baylor's defense also locked in during the closing minutes, forcing GPS into tough shots and limiting their opportunities.

As the final buzzer sounded, Baylor walked away with a well-earned victory, showcasing their resilience and depth.

Quick Turnaround
Baylor now faces a quick turnaround as they head to Knoxville for their next challenge. With momentum on their side, the Red Raiders will look to keep their winning ways alive.

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