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Baylor Basketball

Postgame Takeaways: #17 Kansas 71 #2 Baylor 58

February 27, 2021
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#2 Baylor (18-1; 10-1) showed a lot of rust in their second game back from a 21 day COVID pause as they got rolled in Lawrence 71-58 by #17 Kansas (18-8; 12-6).  The Bears still need one win to clinch the Big12 and their next opportunity is Tuesday in Morgantown, WV.  

Positives

  • No injuries; Bears need to rest up and get ready for an opportunity to beat West Virginia Tuesday.  The Bears magic number remains one win to clinch their first Big12 MBB title under Scott Drew.  
  • Only 3 turnovers; that’s impressive.  
  • Flo Thamba had a really good first half- 9 points on 4-4 shooting.  I thought he brought the energy to help the Bears stay within striking distance.  
  • The Bears held Kansas to 3-16 from 3 point range although if we are being honest, Kansas just missed a lot of open looks.
  • 5 steals for the Bears and they turned KU over 14 times
  • MaCio had some great moments.  Good to see him hit multiple 3 point shots and grab 8 rebounds.  

Needs Work

  • Energy and body language wasn’t “Baylor like”; not rushing to help guys off the floor; not energetic on the glass
  • Speaking of the glass, KU completely punked the Bears on the glass outrebounding the Bears 48-28.  
  • Bears fell to #17 in KenPom defensive efficiency.  Hopefully they take a lot of pride in righting that ship.  
  • How much of this is COVID and how much is not showing the proper amount of urgency to win a game like this?  Hard to tell but I hope the Bears come out with a lot more purpose and tenacity Tuesday night.  WVU is another team that will embarrass you on the boards if you don’t bring it.  
  • Kansas was 22-33 from the field inside the arc and most of that was at the rim.  They also hit 12 more free throws than the Bears.  
  • Bad whistle but when the Bears got to the line, they were 6-16.  
 
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