No. 1 Baylor basketball falls to Oklahoma State at Home 61-54

WACO, Texas — No. 1 Baylor men’s basketball (15-2, 3-2) fell to Oklahoma State (9-7, 2-3) in Waco 61-54. 

It was a valiant effort to climb back from down 18 to make this a game, but the Bears still fell short.

So, I guess we have to talk about the first half, huh? What the hell do you want me to say? I can’t say I’ve seen a more dilapidated effort at any stretch this season. Starting 2-15 from the floor and 0-8 from deep was a really questionable strategy. 

What’s more, Baylor had a drought of six minutes and a second drought of five minutes very soon after. Here are the quick hitters: 26% shooting. 15% behind the arc. Four fastbreak points. And just three forced turnovers. That led to a 34-22 deficit at the break. 

The second half literally started the same. Baylor would hit a big bucket, but Oklahoma State always answered... until they stopped answering. Next thing you know, a Matthew Mayer three inside of the two-minute mark was followed by a defensive stop and two clutch free throws. 

That made it a 55-54 ballgame. From down by 17 with 12 minutes to go, Baylor pulled the game to one. Again, it didn't make sense, but Baylor was in it. And then they weren’t. Turnovers and big shots not falling ended this game at 61-54. 

Baylor is undefeated on the road. If opposing gyms are what make the Bears comfortable, let’s just play away.