Dec. 21, 2008

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One day after Medlock's mother was killed in an apparent murder-suicide in Little Rock, Ark., the No. 7 Lady Bears held on for an emotional victory over Oregon, 81-71 on Saturday night at McArthur Court.

Medlock, a junior forward, started and finished with seven points and seven rebounds. Her 9-year-old half-brother discovered the bodies of Shannan Barron and her boyfriend, Gerald Gallian, on Friday night at their home in Little Rock.

"When you have a murder-suicide, this game is insignificant compared to what we're dealing with," Baylor coach Kim Mulkey said. "To leave here with a win is as big as any championship Baylor has won."

Mulkey said she discussed with Medlock the idea of canceling Saturday's game. Mulkey also offered to leave with Medlock, but Medlock wanted to play.

"The team rallied around Morghan and wanted to play because Morghan wanted to play," Mulkey said. "For athletes sometimes the best therapy is to do what they love and take your mind off what you have to deal with off the court."

Medlock transferred to Baylor after two seasons at USC, and she received a waiver from the NCAA to play this season. Her stepsister is Baylor freshman guard Cherrish Wallace.

Medlock made her second start of the season Saturday and scored back-to-back baskets early in the second half to give Baylor a 50-45 lead.

Jessica Morrow scored 21 points, Danielle Wilson added 15 points and 11 rebounds to help Baylor survive its worst first half of the season.

Taylor Lilley had a season-high 20 points for the Ducks (3-6).

The Lady Bears (11-1) were 9-for-19 from the free-throw line in the first half and missed a number of close shots in the paint.

Oregon shot 54 percent and led 39-36 at the break, the most points Baylor has allowed in the first half this season.

Baylor tightened its defense inside in the second half, holding Oregon to 39 percent shooting and forcing Oregon to take a number of difficult attempts.

Kelli Griffin's 3-pointer gave the Lady Bears took their first lead, 46-45, at the 16:44 mark of the second half.

The Ducks fought back to take a 54-52 lead on a Tatianna Thomas basket with 12:26.

After that the Lady Bears scored 11 straight points as part of a 15-2 run, going a 7-for-7 from the field during the 4 1/2-minute stretch to take control.

"Coach just told us to take it at them straight to the basket and pick up some fouls," Baylor center Danielle Wilson said.

Oregon pulled to 75-69 after back-to-back 3-pointers by Lilley and Micaela Cocks, but Baylor hit six of eight free throws in the final minute to seal it.

"They were opportunistic and took advantage our misses and build a lead we couldn't overcome," Oregon coach Bev Smith said.