Texas A&M finally solved Baylor after losing three games to the Bears this season, and it came when it mattered most. The fourth time was the charm as the Aggies downed the Bears to advance to the Final Four of the 2011 Women’s NCAA Tournament, 58-46. Baylor became the second No. 1 seed to fall in the Elite Eight, joining Tennessee in failing to make the Final Four.
Texas A&M was impressive throughout, jumping out to a 32-21 halftime lead. The Aggies stretched their lead in the second half, pushing it to 16 at one point before Baylor made its inevitable run to cut the deficit to seven. It wasn’t enough, though, as the Aggies used a late run to thwart Baylor and advance to the Final Four.
Sydney Carter scored a game-high 22 points for the Aggies and was joined in double-figures by Sydney Colson (12) and Tyra White (10). Brittney Griner, Baylor’s all-everything sophomore, finished with 20 points, nine rebounds and two blocks to lead the way for the Bears. Melissa Jones was also in double-figures with 13 points.
Texas A&M advances to the Final Four to face Stanford, winner of the Spokane region. The full Elite Eight bracket can be found below. For more on the tournament, check out SB Nation’s women’s basketball community, Swish Appeal. For more on the Aggies, check out I Am The 12th Man.
Philadelphia Region
No. 1 Connecticut Huskies def. No. 2 Duke Blue Devils, 75-40
Dayton Region
No. 2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish def. No. 1 Tennessee Volunteers, 73-59
Dallas Region
No. 2 Texas A&M Aggies def. No. 1 Baylor Bears, 58-46
Spokane Region
No. 1 Stanford Cardinal def. No. 11 Gonzaga Bulldogs, 83-60