Waco, Texas, witnessed a superstar emergence on Wednesday as Tounde Yessoufou delivered a performance for the ages, leading the #8 Baylor Bears to a decisive 88-72 victory over the Colorado Buffaloes. Yessoufou, a consensus top recruit who has lived up to every bit of the hype in his debut season, put on a scoring clinic that combined raw power with a delicate shooting touch. From the opening tip, Colorado had no answer for his physicality, as he bullied his way to the rim and stepped back for effortless perimeter jumpers.

The Bears have been a model of offensive efficiency this season, and this matchup was no exception. Under Scott Drew, Baylor’s three-guard look has evolved into a versatile system where any player can initiate the break. Against Colorado, the ball movement was crisp, resulting in 21 assists on 32 made field goals. Yessoufou finished with a career-high 31 points on 12-of-17 shooting, adding 7 rebounds and 3 steals. His ability to switch onto Colorado’s wings defensively also limited the Buffaloes' ability to mount a comeback in the second half.

Colorado, now 15-8 on the season, kept the game close during a high-octane first half thanks to the efforts of KJ Simpson and Bangot Dak. Simpson’s ability to navigate screens kept the Buffaloes within striking distance, but foul trouble eventually plagued their frontcourt. The Buffaloes' defensive rotation struggled to keep pace with Baylor’s speed, particularly in the corners where Vj Edgecombe and Robert Wright III found frequent open looks. By the ten-minute mark of the second half, Baylor’s lead had swelled to 18 points, and the outcome felt inevitable.

Baylor’s current team stats reflect their status as a national title contender. They rank in the top 10 nationally in offensive efficiency and are averaging over 84 points per game. The synergy between veterans like Langston Love and the influx of freshman talent has created a unique chemistry. This win moves Baylor to 19-4 overall, keeping them neck-and-neck with Houston in the race for the Big 12 crown. The Bears' depth was also evident as Josh Ojianwuna anchored the defense with four blocks, neutralizing Colorado’s interior scoring threats.

Looking ahead, the Bears face a grueling road trip, but with Yessoufou playing at this level, they remain the most dangerous offensive unit in the conference. For Colorado, the focus shifts to a must-win home stand to bolster their tournament resume. Head coach Tad Boyle emphasized that while the Buffaloes competed hard, the gap in elite-level individual playmaking—specifically referencing Yessoufou—was the deciding factor in the contest.