
Baylor Bears coach Scott Drew dedicated his side's maiden NCAA Men's Championship title to their loyal fans and administration two decades after the scandal which led to his appointment.
The Bears defeated the previously unbeaten Gonzaga Bulldogs 86-70, with guard Jared Butler named MVP following 22 points, three rebounds and seven assists.
Baylor's first national title comes 18 years after the scandal which rocked the NCAA and led to Drew's appointment as coach to rebuild the team in 2003.
"I prayed about it," Drew said post-game. "God has blessed us with unbelievable players.
"Our fans who have been with us throughout the lean years [deserve this]. Our administration and the city of Waco deserves this. The state of Texas deserves it."
Baylor got a fast start, scoring the first nine points of the game and were never headed, leading by as many as 20 points in the last.
"All year long this is what they do," Drew said. "We have a starting rotation. Each night might be someone different but they've sacrificed all along.
"If you're going to be in a bubble for three to four weeks, you want do it with people you love. They're unbelievable basketball players, better people."
Gonzaga coach Mark Few admitted the Bears were simply too good.
"They just beat us in every facet of the game tonight," Few said. "Hats off to Baylor."
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