Baylor Routes Northwestern State 87-65 in Opener

Baylor opened its season with an 87-65 win over Northwestern State, leading at halftime 50-32 behind a fast start.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Basketball

Baylor Routes Northwestern State 87-65 in Opener

Baylor defeated Northwestern State 87-65 in its season opener on November 3, 2026. The Bears opened the game on a 14-4 run over the first four minutes and led 50-32 at halftime.

Why it matters

The win gives Baylor an early-season result to build on, while its 9-of-29 shooting from three-point range points to areas that need attention as the season continues. Scott Drew improved to 21-3 in opening games during his tenure.

Baylor shot 9 of 29 from three-point range, with Kayden Mingo scoring 17 points on 6-of-14 shooting and Isaac Celiscar adding 6 rebounds in 23 minutes. Scott Drew's record in opening games stands at 21-3, while the game's 9 first-half turnovers combined across both teams.

The players

Scott Drew

Scott Drew is the head men's basketball coach at Baylor University, whose record in opening games stands at 21-3.

Kayden Mingo

Kayden Mingo is a Baylor guard who led the team in scoring with 17 points in the season opener.

Dylan Mingo

Dylan Mingo is a Baylor player who scored 14 points in 22 minutes during the season-opening win.

The details

Baylor took control early with a 14-4 run in the opening four minutes, with Kayden Mingo scoring the game's first points on a drive to the basket. The Bears maintained a lead through halftime, and the game ended 87-65 in Baylor's favor.

November 3, 2026: Baylor defeats Northwestern State 87-65 in its season opener.

Season Trajectory

Baylor is not ranked in the AP Top 25 despite having defeated the No. 1 Florida Gators and No. 3 Illinois in exhibition games. The season-opening win over Northwestern State extends that preseason pattern of results against high-profile opponents into the regular season.

Baylor's 9-of-29 three-point shooting means the perimeter numbers will be a key point to watch in upcoming games. Fantasy managers tracking Kayden Mingo should note his 17-point opener on efficient 6-of-14 shooting.

The takeaway

Early-season results can reveal both strengths and areas for improvement, and Baylor's balanced scoring alongside its perimeter shooting numbers offer a clear picture of what the team does well and what it still needs to refine.