What a 56th birthday it was for Baylor's head coach Scott Drew as his Bears basketball team not only competed against, but defeated, the preseason No. 3 Fighting Illini 95-91 in a game where Baylor led nearly the entire game.

Drew's 24th season as Baylor's head coach could be a very positive one if the two exhibition games the Bears have played are any indication. Defeating the preseason No. 1 Florida in overtime in their exhibition game on the 18th and a victory tonight over the preseason No. 3 Fighting Illini, the Bears will be carrying some momentum and confidence into the start of the regular season on November 2nd.

1st Half

Happy birthday, @BUDREW ! 🎉 #SicEm | #CultureofJOY pic.twitter.com/VHb1QvtMsR

— Baylor Men’s Basketball (@BaylorMBB) October 23, 2026

The Bears would lead by as many as 22, but down to only 19 (63-44) at the end of the first half.…