The Baylor Bears completed a perfect 40-0 season with an 80-61 win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Tuesday night. Brittney Griner scored 17 of her 26 points in the second half, and picked up 13 rebounds and five blocked shots to add Championship Game MVP honors to her already long list of accomplishments.
The Irish managed to stay within seven points at halftime, but Griner and the Bears were simply too strong. Baylor hauled in 45 rebounds to 24 for Notre Dame. That total includes 16 offensive rebounds, representing 55 percent of their missed shots. The Bears shot 50 percent from the floor, compared to 35.5 percent by the Fighting Irish.
Skylar Diggins scored 20 points to lead Notre Dame, but shot just 7-for-17 from the field to get there. Brittany Mallory was the hero in overtime during the NCAA semifinal against UConn, but managed just three points on 1-for-3 shooting. Meanwhile, Natalie Novosel went 0-for-11 from the floor for just five points.
Odyssey Sims was Baylor's second leading scorer, picking up 19 points. Destiny Williams was also efficient from the floor, making 5-of-7 on her way to 12 points and six rebounds. Tuesday belonged to Griner, however. After her performance it's hard to believe that she will really be back next season, but she insists she will play her senior year at Baylor. In which case, anything less than perfection can only be considered a disappointment for the Bears.
For more on the 2012 Women's NCAA Tournament, stay tuned to SB Nation New York's NCAA Women's Tournament StoryStream. Read here for a complete bracket and list of matchups.