Baylor plays host to NAIA foe Paul Quinn

Dec 19, 2011 - 3:44 PM Waco, TX (Sports Network) - The Baylor Bears look to remain perfect as they host the Paul Quinn Tigers of the NAIA at the Ferrell Center in a game that is part of the Las Vegas Classic.

This will be the second meeting between the Bears and Tigers. Baylor dispatched Paul Quinn 108-50 in the 2008-09 season opener. Baylor is 19-10 all-time against current NAIA members. Prior to the 2008 meeting with Paul Quinn, Baylor had not played an NAIA school since 1984.

Paul Quinn is 2-6 after losing 81-65 to Rodgers State, its second loss in a row. The Tigers are 1-3 in Red River Athletic Conference play so far this year. Paul Quinn is scoring 69.1 ppg on just 39.2 percent shooting from the field. On the defensive end, the Tigers are allowing opponents to score 82.4 ppg on 46 percent shooting from the floor.

The Tigers have three players with scoring averages in double figures. Nafis Richardson leads the team with 21.6 ppg. Richardson had a season high of 29 points against Texas Wesleyan on November 30th, and got very close to that number in his last outing as he finished with 27 against Rogers State. Richardson is ranked 12th in the NAIA Division I in scoring and 19th in steals. Aaron McCuin is second on the team with 13.4 ppg. McCuin leads the squad in rebounding with 10.2 rpg.

Baylor is one of the top teams in the nation. The Bears are looking for just their second 10-0 start in program history in this one. Scott Drew's team faced its toughest test its last time out as it outlasted BYU 86-83 in a hard fought contest. The Bears have picked up notable wins over San Diego State and Northwestern on their road to perfection. Baylor has one of the most athletic and talented teams in the nation. The Bears are ranked 33rd in the country in scoring an average of 78.3 ppg on 49.3 percent shooting from the field, which is the 21st best percentage in the nation.

Baylor has four players with scoring averages in double figures. Leading the way is NBA Lottery prospect Perry Jones III. The athletic forward is scoring 18.8 ppg and pulling down six rpg. Jones III showed why he has NBA scouts interested against BYU as he scored 28 points and pulled down eight boards in the victory. Pierre Jackson paces Baylor's offense from the point guard position. The junior guard is second on the team in scoring (12 ppg) and leads the team in assists (4.7 apg). Jackson had 13 points and seven assists in the win over BYU. Quincy Miller and Quincy Acy are both solid contributors as well with scoring averages of 11.8 and 11.6 ppg, respectively.