Baylor Outlasts Minnesota in High-Scoring CBC Tournament Clash

Bears' offensive firepower and rebounding edge prove too much for injury-depleted Gophers

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:22pm

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In a high-octane matchup at the College Basketball Crown tournament in Las Vegas, the Baylor Bears defeated the Minnesota Golden Gophers 84-78. Baylor's efficient offense and dominance on the glass overcame Minnesota's own scoring prowess, as the Bears' superior depth and athleticism proved decisive.

Why it matters

This first-round CBC tournament game featured two of the nation's most potent offenses, showcasing the wide-open, up-tempo style of play that has defined this new late-season event. The outcome highlighted Baylor's status as a title contender and exposed Minnesota's vulnerability without several key injured players.

The details

Baylor's Cameron Carr led all scorers with 22 points, while freshman standout Tounde Yessoufou added 18 points for the Bears. Minnesota's Jaylen Crocker-Johnson and Chansey Willis were sidelined, forcing the Gophers to rely heavily on their perimeter shooting, which kept the game close. However, Baylor's rebounding edge and ability to score in the paint ultimately proved too much for the short-handed Gophers to overcome.

  • The game took place on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 10:30 p.m. ET.
  • Baylor and Minnesota faced off in the first round of the College Basketball Crown tournament.

The players

Cameron Carr

A senior guard for the Baylor Bears who led all scorers with 22 points.

Tounde Yessoufou

A five-star freshman forward for the Baylor Bears who contributed 18 points.

Jaylen Crocker-Johnson

A key forward for the Minnesota Golden Gophers who missed the game due to injury.

Chansey Willis

A backup player for the Minnesota Golden Gophers who was also sidelined with an injury.

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What they’re saying

“We knew Minnesota would come out firing, but our depth and ability to control the boards were the difference tonight.”

— Scott Drew, Baylor Head Coach

“Missing Jaylen and Chansey really hurt us, but I'm proud of how our guys competed against a very talented Baylor team.”

— Ben Johnson, Minnesota Head Coach

What’s next

Baylor will advance to the quarterfinals of the College Basketball Crown tournament, while Minnesota's season comes to an end.

The takeaway

This high-scoring affair showcased the exciting brand of basketball on display at the new College Basketball Crown tournament. Baylor's depth and physicality proved too much for the injury-depleted Gophers, setting up the Bears as a team to watch as the tournament progresses.