The #1 Baylor Bears are preparing for Thursday's first-round battle with the #16 Norfolk State Spartans in the East Region, but they're set to be without a key figure of their first unit.
Per Talia Goodman, leading scorer LJ Cryer will be unavailable for the contest due to injury:
BREAKING: Baylor’s leading scorer LJ Cryer will be out for the first weekend of the NCAA tournament, source tells @TheFieldOf68.
This is a big loss for the Bears. Cryer has averaged 13.5 PPG in 19 games this season.
— Talia Goodman (@goodmansport) March 16, 2022
Cryer's absence is a huge blow for Baylor. While Scott Drew's squad does have a well-rounded offense, Cryer led the way this season 13.5 points per contest on a stellar 46% three-point clip in 19 games played. The 20-year-old guard hasn't played since February 16th as he continues to deal with a foot issue.
The Bears of course won the NCAA Tournament last season and will be poised for another title run this time around. James Akinjo is really stepping up to the plate and delivering in place of Cryer, putting up 13.4 points per night while also serving as Baylor's best facilitator with 5.7 dimes. Adam Flagler has played very well too.
Drew's squad shouldn't face any problems getting past Norfolk State but it remains to be seen if LJ Cryer will be able to return at any point during March Madness. Considering he's yet to suit up in the last month, it's not looking good for Baylor. They will need to rely on their other starters to rise to the occasion.
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