Roach’s Buzzer-Beater Lifts No. 13 Baylor to Thrilling Double-OT Win Over No. 22 St. John’s

Eric Boggs November 22, 2024

In a dramatic showdown at the Baha Mar Hoops Bahamas Championship, Jeremy Roach sank a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer, completing No. 13 Baylor’s comeback in a heart-stopping 99-98 double-overtime victory over No. 22 St. John’s on Thursday night.

Trailing by five with 18 seconds remaining in the second overtime, the Bears (4-1) clawed their way back. Freshman VJ Edgecombe drained a clutch three-pointer to make it 98-96 with 6.5 seconds left. On the ensuing inbounds, Baylor fouled St. John’s forward Zuby Ejiofor, who missed both free throws. Norchad Omier grabbed the rebound, pushed the ball upcourt, and found Roach on the right wing. With time expiring, Roach pulled up and sank the game-winning shot, sparking an eruption from Baylor’s bench.

“Jeremy Roach is a big-time player,” said Baylor head coach Scott Drew. “He’s a winner, and he makes plays. Proud of the way our guys battled and stayed resilient to earn this win.”

Roach, a transfer from Duke, had earlier missed critical opportunities to seal the game, including a one-and-one free throw in regulation and a mid-range jumper in the first overtime. However, the junior guard found redemption when it mattered most, finishing with 20 points as one of six Baylor players in double figures.

The Bears showed grit throughout, overcoming an 18-point first-half deficit. Unlike their season opener at Gonzaga, where a similar hole led to a blowout loss, Baylor fought back with a balanced offensive attack and timely defense.

Omier dominated inside, recording a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Freshman Rob Wright and Cal transfer Jalen Celestine provided a spark from beyond the arc, combining for eight three-pointers and 31 points.

St. John’s (4-1) also had its chances, led by Ejiofor’s 22 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks. Aaron Scott added 20 points, including critical three-pointers in both overtimes. However, the Red Storm struggled at the free-throw line, going 16-of-23, including costly misses in crunch time.

Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino criticized the referees for reviewing a late play that he believed “iced” his free-throw shooter, Ejiofor. “The referees didn’t do a very good job tonight. But that’s not why we lost—we lost because we couldn’t stop them from outside the arc and gave up too many second-chance points.”

Baylor capitalized on St. John’s defensive lapses, hitting 15-of-29 three-pointers and scoring 22 second-chance points off 16 offensive rebounds.

The game’s intensity was evident from the opening tip. St. John’s jumped out to an early 34-19 lead, fueled by hot shooting from Scott and RJ Luis. The Red Storm extended the margin to 39-21 before Baylor began chipping away, cutting the deficit to 14 by halftime.

The Bears gained their first lead, 74-73, on a Jayden Nunn jumper with 2:41 remaining in regulation. Roach’s three-pointer extended the lead, but St. John’s guard Kadary Richmond responded with a floater to force the first overtime.

Both teams exchanged blows in the extra periods, with St. John’s seemingly in control late in the second overtime before Baylor’s dramatic rally.

“This was a big-time win,” Roach said. “We’ve been battle-tested, and tonight, we showed what we’re made of.”

With the win, Baylor advances to Friday night’s championship game against No. 11 Tennessee (5-0), who dominated Virginia in the second half of their semifinal. St. John’s will face Virginia in the consolation game. Both games will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.

For Baylor, the victory not only showcased resilience but also underscored the promise of a team determined to compete on the national stage. “You can’t underestimate the heart of a champion,” Drew said. “Our guys will be ready tomorrow.”