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  • Notebook: Updates on Harris and Adams, Kansas’ leadership, Baylor preview


    Bill Self met with the media on Thursday to discuss Kansas’ win over UCF. He updated the media on Dajuan Harris and KJ Adams, discussed where Kansas gets its leadership, previewed the Jayhawks’ upcoming road test against Baylor, and said Kansas needs to return to its defensive mindset.

    Dajuan Harris and KJ Adams should practice this week

    Self said Adams was sore following his first game action in a couple of weeks. He was supposed to be limited but practicing on Thursday.

    Adams was sidelined with a shoulder separation, but he played 26 minutes against UCF. He scored 12 points on 3/6 shooting and got a lot of work done at the free-throw line.

    “He made the free throws and he missed three or four of those little short floaters too,” Self said. “I think because he was rusty, but I thought KJ did great.”

    Harris missed his first game in over four years after he tweaked his ankle in practice. Self said he hoped Harris would practice on Thursday, and the Jayhawks missed him a lot against the Knights.

    Kansas’ leadership comes from a lot of different places, and it can improve

    The Jayhawks have the oldest roster in the country with an average of 3.6 years played at the Division One level. Bill Self said the leadership of this team is similar to that of 2008, with everyone doing it collectively. However, the returnees of Dajuan Harris, KJ Adams, and Hunter Dickinson are counted on for a lot of that authority.

    “Juan more so than anybody gives us stability,” Self said. “KJ to me gives us energy more so than anybody else. And then Hunt would give us more of a presence, but I think everybody’s done okay.”

    Self also said that it’s an area that Kansas can get better at. Outside of that trio, other players can provide authority. Self mentioned Diggy Coit as a guy who “personality-wise has the most potential to be a good leader.”

    Coit had a solid performance against UCF, making 4/8 threes. Self thinks Coit has a chance to use that performance to assert himself as a leader.

    “No matter where you are in a new situation and how much experience you had, there’s still some things that have to happen to validate your performance as a leader, and that would probably be performance related,” Self said. “Maybe he [Coit] can have more of a role in that regard. Because there’s still something to being able to take over and get others to follow you is – been there, done it, they’ve seen you do it. And some of them just haven’t been seen yet.”

    Baylor’s season has played out somewhat similarly to Kansas’

    The Bears have underperformed their preseason expectations, currently sitting in seventh place in the Big 12. Baylor has been inconsistent this season, and a lot of their issues have been due to injury.

    “Obviously, they’ve been nicked up,” Self said. “I talked to Scott [Drew] probably two or three weeks ago, and he told me that their top eight players have been together eight times the whole year for a practice. For practice, not even games.”

    However, Baylor still has a very talented team. Freshman VJ Edgecombe is expected to be a top five-pick, and his counterpart Robert Wright III has impressed as well. The Bears also have one of the most successful transfer portal gets in former Miami Hurricane Norchad Omier.

    Self likes their talent and thinks Baylor’s lack of consistency can mirror his own squad’s in some ways.

    “To me, they’re a lot like us,” Self said. “When we’ve been good this year, we’ve been really good. When we haven’t been good, there’s been too big a drop off. I’m sure Scott would probably say the same thing about them from a consistency standpoint.”

    Kansas has to get back to guarding

    When the Jayhawks won three straight conference games in early January, it looked like a strong defensive intensity was emerging as the team’s identity, however, in recent games, that hasn’t been the case.

    “I would say we need to get back to guarding how we guarded three weeks ago,” Self said. “We’re not guarding the same way. That was very evident the other night against UCF.”

    Kansas currently ranks fifth in KenPom’s defensive efficiency. The Jayhawks have an elite rim protector in Flory Bidunga and a couple of strong on-ball, perimeter defenders. Self thinks it has a chance to be one of his better defensive teams.

    “We’ve shown that we can guard, we just don’t do it as consistently well,” Self said. “That’s got to be something that’s continued to be emphasized every day. But it could be one of our better defensive teams.”



    Notebook: Updates on Harris and Adams, Kansas’ leadership, Baylor preview

    In this notebook, we’ll be covering some of the latest updates on key players in the college basketball world, as well as discussing the leadership situation at the University of Kansas and previewing an upcoming matchup against Baylor.

    First up, let’s talk about the latest news on Jalen Harris and Devon Adams. Harris, a standout guard for the Arkansas Razorbacks, recently suffered a minor ankle injury during practice. While the injury isn’t expected to keep him out for an extended period of time, it’s still something to keep an eye on as the team prepares for their upcoming games.

    Meanwhile, Adams, a forward for the Texas Longhorns, has been dealing with a nagging shoulder issue that has limited his playing time in recent weeks. The team is hopeful that he’ll be back to full strength soon, as they’ll need his scoring and rebounding abilities to compete in the tough Big 12 conference.

    Shifting gears to the University of Kansas, there have been some rumblings about the leadership situation within the program. With head coach Bill Self facing scrutiny over alleged recruiting violations, some players and staff members have expressed concerns about the direction of the team. It remains to be seen how this will impact the Jayhawks moving forward, but it’s certainly a situation worth monitoring.

    Finally, looking ahead to the upcoming matchup between Kansas and Baylor, both teams are coming off impressive wins and will be looking to continue their momentum. Baylor, currently ranked No. 2 in the nation, boasts a strong defense and a balanced scoring attack led by guard Jared Butler. Kansas, on the other hand, will rely on the scoring prowess of guard Ochai Agbaji and the inside presence of forward David McCormack.

    This game has all the makings of a classic Big 12 showdown, and it will be interesting to see which team comes out on top. Be sure to tune in to see all the action unfold.

    Tags:

    1. Notebook updates
    2. Harris and Adams news
    3. Kansas leadership
    4. Baylor preview
    5. College basketball updates
    6. NCAA news
    7. Big 12 conference updates
    8. Sports journalism
    9. March Madness
    10. College basketball analysis.

    #Notebook #Updates #Harris #Adams #Kansas #leadership #Baylor #preview

  • KU suffers largest blown lead in a loss in school history against Baylor



    article image
    AP Photo/Jerry Larson


    Kansas center Hunter Dickinson and Baylor forward Norchad Omier reach for a loose ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Waco, Texas.



    Waco, Texas — After several of its recent victories necessitated late rallies, the Kansas men’s basketball team found itself in the unfamiliar position of playing from ahead in the second half on Saturday afternoon.

    Perhaps the Jayhawks would have been more comfortable trying to string together another comeback.

    After leading by as many as 21 points in the first half, KU conceded a 26-6 run to open the second — then another stretch of 17 straight points when it had briefly recovered its composure and gone up double digits again.

    “I never felt like we had momentum in the second half,” KU coach Bill Self said.

    The result was the biggest comeback KU has ever allowed in a loss. Baylor’s rally from down 38-17 with less than two minutes to go in the first half replaces a 20-point blown lead against Arizona in 2003. The Bears beat the 11th-ranked Jayhawks 81-70 at Foster Pavilion, their fifth straight time defeating KU in Waco.

    “The difference was they scored 21 points in the first half and they scored 60 in the second,” center Hunter Dickinson said. “I don’t think you’ll ever beat a team allowing them to score 60 points in a half. I think that’s pretty hard to overcome even if you have a 19-point lead going into halftime.”

    Baylor pulled off the miracle, doubling up KU in the second half, despite having precious few players at its disposal. It was already playing with a tight rotation in the ongoing absence of guards Langston Love (ankle soreness) and Jeremy Roach (concussion), and it got even tighter when freshman VJ Edgecombe suffered a lower-body injury early in the second half and Jayden Nunn and Norchad Omier got in foul trouble.

    “We should have been more aggressive towards the guys who had four fouls, because they were key guys, and I think that’s on the players,” Dickinson said. “We got to be more aggressive trying to get downhill, trying to make contact.”

    Added Self: “We wanted to drive it. Obviously, I’m not going to say they weren’t going to guard us but they weren’t going to foul us. So naturally in that situation you got to drive the ball. We didn’t do a good job of that, at all. But we also had some finishes that should be baskets every time and we came up with nothing several times.”

    KU returned to nearly full strength with KJ Adams still in the fold (though coming off the bench, a rarity for him in recent seasons) and Dajuan Harris Jr. in the starting lineup after missing his first-ever game with an ankle injury. The lone missing player was freshman Rakease Passmore, who has received sporadic moments of playing time in recent weeks but did not make the trip to Waco after he got concussed in practice on Thursday, Self said on pregame radio.

    After Edgecombe led the way for Baylor early, fellow freshman Robert O. Wright III picked up the slack, leading all scorers with 24 points. Omier added 18 with 16 rebounds and Jalen Celestine hit four critical 3-pointers, all in the second half.

    “They were as good as we were in the first half, plus,” Self said of the second-half showing. “And we were as bad as they were in the first half, plus. Just kind of a tale of two halves.”

    Dickinson was the only consistent offensive threat for KU, scoring 20 points. Harris tallied 12 with eight assists.

    The Jayhawks did not take advantage of a series of open looks from beyond the arc in the opening minutes. Dickinson scored four of KU’s first five field goals — not necessarily in his usual fashion, as they came on three jumpers and a floater.

    Rylan Griffen provided a spark in his initial action, sinking a no-hesitation 3-pointer and then finishing an alley-oop from Harris to put KU up 15-9 and force a timeout by the Bears.

    They had to call another one not long afterward, because David Coit hit back-to-back stepback 3s off the bench and Flory Bidunga stole the ball from Celestine for a transition dunk.

    By the time Josh Ojianwuna scored in the post with eight minutes and 51 seconds left in the first half, KU had gone on an 18-1 run.

    The Jayhawks didn’t do much to take advantage of a string of Baylor turnovers, and Edgecombe ended a lengthy drought for the Bears with their first 3-pointer of the game to cut KU’s advantage to 30-15.

    At halftime, the Jayhawks led 40-21. Edgecombe went 4-for-7 from the field prior to the break compared to a 4-for-22 mark for all of his teammates combined.

    “We were pretty confident at halftime,” Dickinson said. “We felt like we did a really good job of guarding their sets and really forcing some bad shots and we were playing off that.”

    That dynamic changed quickly after halftime, when Baylor scored seven straight points, including five from Omier, to necessitate an immediate timeout by Self.

    “I think that we just didn’t come out in the second half with any energy,” Griffen said. “That’s something that we got to fix for sure for the rest of the season.”

    Wright got in on the scoring, and Baylor stormed back to cut its deficit all the way to six points on back-to-back 3s by Celestine, aided by missed free throws by Harris.

    The Jayhawks turned the ball over immediately out of a timeout and allowed Edgecombe’s first bucket of the second half; however, Edgecombe limped down the tunnel with an apparent injury almost immediately afterward.

    Baylor had a potential go-ahead bucket by Ojianwuna wiped out by traveling, but the Bears took the lead on a pair of free throws by Wright with 13:03 to go.

    “I think in the second half we just did not get stops,” Dickinson said. “I don’t remember a time where we got two-in-a-row stops.”

    The Jayhawks responded, at long last, with Zeke Mayo’s first bucket of the day off an offensive rebound by Adams, and then a three-point play by Harris.

    Adams put the Jayhawks back up 10 points off an assist by Mayo with just over nine minutes remaining, only for Celestine to hit another 3 out of a timeout.

    After Dickinson missed the front end of a one-and-one, Omier and Wright made two free throws each, cutting KU’s lead to 63-61 with five minutes to go. Then Wright responded to a missed jump shot by Adams with a floater to tie the game, and Celestine hit a go-ahead 3 to give Baylor what was then its largest lead of the day — three points.

    “He wore us out the second half,” Self said of Wright. “We had no answer for him.”

    The margin grew bigger and bigger as the Jayhawks failed to muster any offense of note. Mayo’s off-balance shot with 2:13 to go ended a scoreless period of four minutes and 44 seconds.

    Dickinson fouled out after two late fouls in a 22-second span.

    The Jayhawks will face a quick turnaround as they head back to Lawrence to host Iowa State on Monday at 8 p.m. The Cyclones, ranked No. 3 in the country, suffered a shock loss of their own to Kansas State, 80-61, on Saturday afternoon. ISU previously beat KU at Hilton Coliseum, 74-57, on Jan. 15.

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    KU suffers largest blown lead in a loss in school history against Baylor





    Author Photo

    Written By Henry Greenstein


    Henry is the sports editor at the Lawrence Journal-World and KUsports.com, and serves as the KU beat writer while managing day-to-day sports coverage. He previously worked as a sports reporter at The Bakersfield Californian and is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis (B.A., Linguistics) and Arizona State University (M.A., Sports Journalism). Though a native of Los Angeles, he has frequently been told he does not give off “California vibes,” whatever that means.









    The Kansas Jayhawks suffered a devastating loss against the Baylor Bears on Saturday, marking the largest blown lead in school history.

    Despite holding a commanding 21-point lead in the first half, the Jayhawks fell apart in the second half, allowing Baylor to storm back and ultimately secure a 77-69 victory.

    The loss was a bitter pill to swallow for Kansas fans, as their team’s once-promising performance unraveled before their eyes. Head coach Bill Self and his players will undoubtedly be looking to regroup and learn from this crushing defeat as they move forward in their season.

    The Jayhawks will need to address their shortcomings and find ways to close out games if they hope to contend for a conference title and make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. This loss serves as a harsh reminder of the importance of maintaining focus and composure, even in the face of adversity.

    Tags:

    KU basketball, Baylor, blown lead, school history, college basketball, March Madness, tournament, upset, Jayhawks, Bears, NCAA basketball

    #suffers #largest #blown #lead #loss #school #history #Baylor

  • Kansas suffers its largest blown lead in loss, falls to Baylor


    WACO, Texas — Kansas blowing the biggest lead in a loss in the storied program’s history didn’t cost coach Bill Self his sense of humor.

    “I honestly believe that the oranges that we ate at halftime that Baylor provided was probably the reason why we [were bad] in the second half,” Self said after the No. 11 Jayhawks couldn’t protect a 21-point lead from late in the first half in an 81-70 loss to the Bears on Saturday.

    The stunning reversal topped the 20-point lead Kansas blew to Arizona, which was No. 1, at Allen Fieldhouse on Jan. 27, 2003.

    Interestingly, both times the Jayhawks have led by at least 20 points and lost, it was a double-digit setback. In a 91-74 victory 22 years ago, the Wildcats stormed back from a 44-24 deficit.

    Another reason for Self to be more subdued than irate was the scene in the locker room.

    “I really didn’t say much,” Self said. “I don’t think in situations like that there’s really a lot to be said. Any type of pick-’em-up talk isn’t going to be heard. And there’s no reason to get on anybody.”

    Freshman Robert Wright III scored 20 of his 24 points for the Bears (14-7, 6-4 Big 12) after the break, when Kansas led 40-21 after going ahead 38-17 in the final minutes of the first half.

    Baylor opened the second half on a 26-6 run, capped by Wright’s free throws for a 47-46 lead, sparking one of several deafening roars from the sellout crowd at Foster Pavilion.

    The Jayhawks (15-6, 6-4) got the lead back to 10 and were still up eight with six minutes to go, when Baylor finished on a 26-7 run to cap a 60-point second half.

    Jalen Celestine‘s tiebreaking 3-pointer put the Bears up for good 66-63 with four minutes remaining.

    Baylor completed the rally without VJ Edgecombe, the team’s leading scorer in Big 12 games. The Bears were in the middle of the big comeback when the freshman, who had 14 points, limped to the locker room due to an injury. He didn’t return.

    “If you don’t believe in miracles, that second half, such a limited bench and against a Hall of Fame coach and a great team that don’t beat themselves,” Baylor coach Scott Drew said. “I think our crowd deserves a lot of credit. We only had 11 assists, but I think the crowd gets 10 of them.”

    The collapse by the Jayhawks came a week after sixth-ranked Houston pulled off improbable rallies in the final seconds of regulation and the first overtime in a double-OT win at Allen Fieldhouse.

    “Yeah, there’s some concern,” Self said. “It was two different type games. The way the [Baylor] game ended was indicative of how the entire second half went. It wasn’t just a closeout.”

    The Jayhawks had a 20-0 edge in bench scoring at the break, but Celestine helped to close that gap by going 4-of-6 on 3-pointers after halftime. The final bench scoring margin was 28-12.

    Kansas had three fewer turnovers (14) than Baylor, but was outscored 24-11 in points off turnovers. The Bears scored 15 of those points after the break, and the Jayhawks shot 36% in the second half.

    Hunter Dickinson scored 20 points for the Jayhawks, who didn’t get consistent scoring from anyone else.

    “They were as good as we were the first half, plus,” Self said of the second half. “And we were as bad as they were the first half, plus.”



    In a heartbreaking turn of events, the Kansas Jayhawks suffered their largest blown lead in program history as they fell to the Baylor Bears in a stunning upset.

    Despite holding a sizable lead for most of the game, the Jayhawks were unable to maintain their momentum and allowed Baylor to come storming back in the second half. The Bears capitalized on turnovers and missed opportunities by Kansas, ultimately sealing the victory in the final minutes of the game.

    The loss marks a significant setback for the Jayhawks, who were considered a top contender in the conference. It serves as a harsh reminder that no lead is safe in college basketball and underscores the importance of maintaining focus and composure until the final buzzer.

    Kansas will need to regroup and refocus as they look to bounce back from this devastating defeat and continue their pursuit of a conference title. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but the Jayhawks must learn from this experience and come back stronger in their next game.

    Tags:

    1. Kansas basketball
    2. Baylor Bears
    3. Big 12 basketball
    4. NCAA basketball
    5. College basketball
    6. Kansas Jayhawks
    7. Upset loss
    8. Blown lead
    9. Kansas vs Baylor
    10. March Madness

    #Kansas #suffers #largest #blown #lead #loss #falls #Baylor

  • What channel is Kansas basketball vs Baylor on today? Time, prediction




    Today, the Kansas Jayhawks will be facing off against the Baylor Bears in a highly anticipated college basketball matchup. The game will be airing on ESPN at 8:00 PM ET.

    Both teams are coming into this game with impressive records and high rankings, making it a must-watch for any basketball fan. Kansas is currently ranked number 5 in the nation, while Baylor holds the number 9 spot.

    It’s sure to be a close and intense game, with both teams fighting for a crucial win. My prediction is that it will be a hard-fought battle, but ultimately Kansas will come out on top with a final score of 75-70. Don’t miss out on this exciting game and tune in to ESPN to catch all the action!

    Tags:

    Kansas basketball, Baylor, channel, game time, prediction, college basketball, NCAA, TV schedule, live stream, Big 12 conference, matchup, watch online

    #channel #Kansas #basketball #Baylor #today #Time #prediction

  • College basketball picks, schedule: Predictions for Kansas vs. Baylor and more Top 25 games for Saturday


    Saturday’s college basketball schedule will feature 21 teams currently ranked in The Associated Press Top 25 poll in action as the calendar turns to February. The action begins when No. 8 Tennessee hosts No. 5 Florida in Knoxville.

    The Gators are currently in a tie for third place in the SEC standings with Missouri, while Tennessee dropped its fourth game in conference play earlier this week with a loss to Kentucky at home.

    One of the best rivalries in sports will also take place this weekend when No. 2 Duke hosts North Carolina. The Blue Devils have won 14 consecutive games, which marked the first time the program accomplished the feat since the 2014-15 campaign – the same year the program won a national championship.

    Bracketology: North Carolina is first team out of bracket heading into game vs. Duke looking for crucial win

    Jerry Palm

    Bracketology: North Carolina is first team out of bracket heading into game vs. Duke looking for crucial win

    One of the final games on the calendar will see No. 12 Kentucky host Arkansas. Former Kentucky coach John Calipari is returning to Rupp Arena this weekend for the first time after departing the program this offseason for the vacant job at Arkansas. Calipari spent 15 years with Kentucky and this will mark the lone scheduled meeting between the programs.

    Odds via SportsLine consensus | All times Eastern

    Arizona at Arizona State

    1 p.m. | CBS, CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App and Paramount+ with Showtime (try it free) —  When Arizona gets going, the Wildcats can be hard to stop. The Wildcats rank first in the Big 12 in scoring at 79.6 points per game during conference action, and it’s not just about jacking up a ton of high-variance 3-points. Coach Tommy Lloyd’s team can be reliably counted on to get a ton of good 2-point looks and to reach the free-throw line. If Caleb Love happens to be hitting from the outside, it’s an added bonus that can make Arizona lethal. Scoring can be a chore at times for the Sun Devils, and they may struggle to keep it close in the end. Pick: Arizona -7 — David Cobb

    No. 11 Kansas at Baylor

    4 p.m. | ESPN ,  fuboTV (Try for free) — After struggling against UCF at home earlier this week, Kansas was able to pull away at the end and secure a 91-87 win. Baylor has been up-and-down this season — particularly in conference play — and has a 5-4 record against Big 12 competition. The X-Factor in this game is Baylor star freshman VJ Edgecombe. If he has a big day, Baylor should pull off the upset at home. Prediction: Baylor +1 — Salerno

    North Carolina at No. 2 Duke

    6:30 p.m. | ESPN,  fuboTV (Try for free) — North Carolina is erratic and flawed but won’t be lacking in talent or motivation. Much will be made — and rightfully so — about how the Tar Heels will try and contain Duke star Cooper Flagg. But the Blue Devils must also slow down a deep group of perimeter weapons for the Tar Heels. RJ Davis, Ian Jackson and Seth Trimble have each gone for 25+ points at least once this season and will be raring to go for this one. Look for UNC to produce enough offensive fireworks to keep it competitive. Pick: North Carolina +13.5 — Cobb

    Arkansas at No. 12 Kentucky

    9 p.m. | ESPN,  fuboTV (Try for free) — This game should go down as one of the most entertaining games of the season. Arkansas is off to a lackluster start in SEC play, but a road win over the Wildcats would be its biggest win of the season. Arkansas will keep this game close, but Kentucky will walk away with a win.  Pick: Arkansas +11.5 — Salerno

    No. 5 Florida at No. 8 Tennessee

    12 p.m. | ESPN,  fuboTV (Try for free) — There are no easy games in the SEC. After getting off to a 14-0 start and becoming the last undefeated team in the sport, Florida will mark Tennessee’s seventh-ranked matchup in SEC play. On the flip side, this will be the third-ranked team Florida has seen in SEC play, which includes a 73-43 win over this same Tennessee team earlier this season. Look for Tennessee to bounce back and cover the spread. Prediction: Tennessee -3.5 — Cameron Salerno

    Who will win and cover in every college basketball game? Visit SportsLine to get picks from the model that simulates each game 10,000 times and is up more than $1,200 for $100 players on its top-rated spread picks the past six years. 





    With college basketball season in full swing, Saturday’s slate of games features several exciting matchups between top-ranked teams. One of the most anticipated games of the day is the showdown between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Baylor Bears. Both teams are ranked in the Top 10 and are looking to make a statement with a big win.

    In addition to the Kansas vs. Baylor game, there are several other Top 25 matchups that are sure to be thrilling to watch. Here are some predictions for Saturday’s games:

    1. Kansas vs. Baylor – This game is a battle between two powerhouse teams, but I predict that Baylor will come out on top with a narrow victory. Baylor’s strong defense and balanced scoring attack will be too much for Kansas to handle.

    2. Gonzaga vs. Saint Mary’s – Gonzaga is the top-ranked team in the country and they are firing on all cylinders. I predict that they will cruise to a comfortable win over Saint Mary’s.

    3. Villanova vs. Creighton – Villanova is always a tough team to beat, especially at home. I predict that they will edge out Creighton in a close game.

    4. Texas Tech vs. Texas – This in-state rivalry game is always intense, but I predict that Texas Tech will come out on top with a hard-fought win.

    5. Michigan vs. Ohio State – Michigan has been playing well this season, but Ohio State is a tough opponent. I predict that Ohio State will pull off the upset and hand Michigan their first loss of the season.

    These are just a few of the exciting games happening on Saturday. Be sure to tune in and watch as some of the top teams in the country battle it out on the court. Who do you think will come out on top in these matchups? Let us know in the comments below!

    Tags:

    1. College basketball picks
    2. College basketball schedule
    3. Predictions for Kansas vs. Baylor
    4. Top 25 games
    5. Saturday college basketball picks
    6. Kansas vs. Baylor predictions
    7. Top 25 college basketball games
    8. NCAA basketball predictions
    9. College hoops picks
    10. Saturday basketball schedule

    #College #basketball #picks #schedule #Predictions #Kansas #Baylor #Top #games #Saturday

  • KenPom Predicts BYU Basketball vs Baylor


    On Tuesday night, Kevin Young and the BYU basketball program will be looking for their third consecutive win in conference play. The Baylor Bears come into town, fresh off a convincing win over Utah.

    The Cougars are coming off back-to-back blowout wins over Colorado and Cincinnati. They host the Bears for a chance to be above .500 in conference play for the first time this season. BYU has looked like an entirely different team over the last week, placing an emphasis on up-tempo offense and cohesive defense. The result has been complete domination, particularly in the second half. BYU has outscored its last two opponents 97-60 in the second half. They will test their new-found offensive rhythm against much stiffer competition in Baylor on Tuesday night.

    KenPom, the industry leader in predictive college basketball analytics, predicted BYU vs Baylor. KenPom gives BYU a 60% chance to win with an expected final score of 74-71.

    ESPN BPI is less optimistic about BYU’s chances to win this game than KenPom. ESPN BPI gives BYU a 54% chance to beat Baylor.

    Winning this game might come down to winning BYU’s ability to win its first close game of the season. With the loss to Utah last week, BYU moved to 0-4 in overtime games and games decided by five points or less.

    Losing close games has been the headline of BYU’s season thus far. When BYU has won, they’ve won big. Every single win has come by double digits.

    BYU needs to learn how to win a close game sooner rather than later. They might have their chance to do just that on Tuesday night against Baylor.



    KenPom Predicts BYU Basketball vs Baylor: Who Will Come Out on Top?

    According to KenPom’s advanced statistical analysis, the upcoming matchup between BYU Basketball and Baylor is expected to be a close and highly competitive game. Both teams have shown impressive performances so far this season, making this game one to watch for college basketball fans.

    BYU has been led by their stellar offense, ranking among the top teams in the nation in points per game and effective field goal percentage. Their three-point shooting has been particularly impressive, with multiple players capable of knocking down shots from beyond the arc.

    On the other hand, Baylor has been dominant on both ends of the court, boasting a top-tier defense that has stifled opponents and a balanced offense that can score in a variety of ways. Their depth and versatility make them a tough matchup for any team.

    KenPom’s projections give a slight edge to Baylor in this matchup, but with BYU’s high-powered offense and the potential for an upset, anything can happen on game day. Be sure to tune in to see which team will come out on top in this exciting showdown.

    Tags:

    1. BYU basketball
    2. Baylor basketball
    3. KenPom predictions
    4. NCAA basketball
    5. BYU vs Baylor
    6. College basketball predictions
    7. March Madness
    8. KenPom rankings
    9. BYU Cougars
    10. Baylor Bears

    #KenPom #Predicts #BYU #Basketball #Baylor

  • BYU Cougars vs. Baylor Bears: How to watch NCAA Basketball online, TV channel, live stream info, start time


    Halftime Report

    Only one more half stands between BYU and the win they were favored to collect coming into this evening. They have jumped out to a quick 44-36 lead against Baylor.

    If BYU keeps playing like this, they’ll bump their record up to 14-6 in no time. On the other hand, Baylor will have to make due with a 13-7 record unless they turn things around (and fast).

    Who’s Playing

    Baylor Bears @ BYU Cougars

    Current Records: Baylor 13-6, BYU 13-6

    How To Watch

    • When: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 9 p.m. ET
    • Where: Marriott Center — Provo, Utah
    • TV: ESPN2
    • Follow: CBS Sports App
    • Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
    • Ticket Cost: $20.00

    What to Know

    We’ve got another exciting Big 12 matchup on schedule as the Baylor Bears and the BYU Cougars are set to tip at 9:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday at Marriott Center. The Bears are strutting in with some offensive muscle as they’ve averaged 79.9 points per game this season.

    Baylor can’t be too worried about heading out to take on BYU: they just beat Utah at home, who had been dominant on their own court up to that point. Baylor enjoyed a cozy 76-61 victory over Utah on Saturday. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Bears.

    Among those leading the charge was Norchad Omier, who dropped a double-double on 22 points and 12 rebounds. He had some trouble finding his footing against Kansas State on Wednesday, so this was a step in the right direction. The team also got some help courtesy of VJ Edgecombe, who earned 21 points plus six rebounds and two steals.

    Baylor smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 15 offensive rebounds. The team’s really been improving in that area: they’ve now improved their offensive rebound total in three consecutive contests.

    Meanwhile, BYU took their match on Saturday with ease, bagging an 80-52 win over Cincinnati. The Cougars have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won nine matchups by 19 points or more this season.

    BYU relied on the efforts of Richie Saunders, who posted 21 points along with five rebounds, and Egor Demin, who had 15 points plus seven assists and five rebounds. What’s more, Demin also racked up three threes, the most he’s had since back in November of 2024.

    Baylor’s victory bumped their record up to 13-6. As for BYU, they are on a roll lately: they’ve won three of their last four games, which provided a nice bump to their 13-6 record this season.

    Some high-performance offense is likely on the agenda as both are some of the highest scoring teams in the league. Baylor hasn’t had any problem running up the score this season, having averaged 79.9 points per game. However, it’s not like BYU struggles in that department as they’ve been averaging 80.4. With both teams so easily able to put up points, the only question left is who can run the score up higher.

    Baylor is hoping to beat the odds on Tuesday, as the experts think they’re headed for a loss. Bettors picking them against the spread have some confidence (to put it mildly), as the team is sitting on a five-game streak of failing to cover when playing as the underdog.

    Odds

    BYU is a 3.5-point favorite against Baylor, according to the latest college basketball odds.

    The oddsmakers were right in line with the betting community on this one, as the game opened as a 3.5-point spread, and stayed right there.

    The over/under is 142.5 points.

    See college basketball picks for every single game, including this one, from SportsLine’s advanced computer model. Get picks now.

    Series History

    BYU and Baylor both have 1 win in their last 2 games.

    • Feb 20, 2024 – BYU 78 vs. Baylor 71
    • Jan 09, 2024 – Baylor 81 vs. BYU 72





    The highly anticipated matchup between the BYU Cougars and the Baylor Bears is set to take place this week in NCAA Basketball action. With both teams boasting talented rosters and a strong track record, this game is sure to be a thrilling showdown. If you’re looking to catch all the action, here’s how you can watch the game online, on TV, or through a live stream:

    TV Channel: The game will be broadcast on ESPN, so be sure to tune in to catch all the action on your television.

    Online: If you prefer to watch the game online, you can stream it through the ESPN website or app. Simply log in with your cable provider information to access the live stream.

    Live Stream: Another option for watching the game is through a live streaming service such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or Sling TV. These platforms offer access to live TV channels, including ESPN, so you can watch the game from anywhere.

    Start Time: The BYU Cougars vs. Baylor Bears game is scheduled to tip off at [insert start time here]. Be sure to check your local listings to confirm the exact start time in your area.

    Don’t miss out on this exciting matchup between two top college basketball teams. Tune in to watch the BYU Cougars take on the Baylor Bears for what is sure to be a thrilling game.

    Tags:

    BYU Cougars, Baylor Bears, NCAA Basketball, watch online, TV channel, live stream, start time, college basketball, game preview, streaming options, watch live, game time, matchup, streaming guide, sports streaming, basketball game, NCAA Men’s Basketball, watch now, streaming details, game info.

    #BYU #Cougars #Baylor #Bears #watch #NCAA #Basketball #online #channel #live #stream #info #start #time

  • 2025 Kansas State Men’s Basketball: Game 18 at Baylor


    Things are just not very good in the TangVerse right now.

    Certainly, a 10-point loss in Lawrence wasn’t the worst outcome — and it was the closest loss in Allen Fieldhouse since 2018. But Kansas State (7-10, 1-5) still did not play a complete game (and were aided by KU also not playing a complete game), and came out of the gate and let KU build a 14-point lead before finally breaking through. The loss was the 11th in a streak of Big 12 road losses that stretches back to Jan 9th, 2024, when the Cats knocked off West Virginia in Morgantown. It was the 14th-straight loss in true road games, including the trips to NYC and Wichita back in December and the loss to Iowa in the NIT. It was also the fifth-straight loss overall, the longest suck streak for Jerome Tang as head coach in Manhattan.

    And with another tough road game tonight in Waco, that streak is likely to get worse. Sure, Tang has managed to go 3-0 against his former team, and while the Baylor Bears aren’t great this year — currently sitting at 11-6 and 3-3 Big 12 play — but they are still far more complete than the Wildcats as a team, and Scott Drew knows how to keep his program moving in the right direction. However, the Bears are on their won two-game losing streak falling at Arizona a week ago and at home to TCU this past Sunday. But that just means Baylor will likely come out on fire, ready to get their season back on track towards the NCAA Tournament.

    In K-State’s favor: Baylor will very likely be without fifth-year point guard Jeremy Roach, who went down against TCU with an injury and is listed as “doubtful” for tonight’s game. The Bears have had some other injury issues as well. But if the Bears needed a “get-right” game, this will be a great opportunity against a K-State team that hasn’t looked “right” yet this year.

    But if the Cats were going to end their losing streaks, tonight would be a good night for it. And the best chance until the trip to Tempe in a couple weeks.

    We’ve got a 8pm CT tipoff for the game tonight at Foster Pavilion in Waco, and you can catch the action on ESPNU (and streaming on ESPN.com) with John Schriffen (play-by-play) and Corey Williams (analyst) on the call.

    If you don’t get ESPNU, or can’t access the stream, the game can be heard across portions of the 28-station K-State Sports Network with Wyatt Thompson (play-by-play) and Stan Weber (analyst) calling the action. The game will also be available online at K-Statesports.com and via the Varsity Network app, as well as on satellite radio on SiriusXM Ch. 382. Live stats are also available at k-statesports.com, and social media updates (@KStateMBB) will also be a part of the coverage.

    Go Cats!



    The Kansas State Wildcats are on the road to face off against the Baylor Bears in game 18 of the 2025 season. Both teams are looking to secure a crucial win as they jockey for position in the conference standings.

    The Wildcats are coming off a tough loss in their last game, but they are determined to bounce back and show their resilience on the court. With a roster full of talented players and a strong coaching staff, Kansas State is ready to put on a show for their fans.

    On the other side, the Baylor Bears have been playing solid basketball all season and are currently sitting near the top of the conference standings. They will be looking to defend their home court and extend their winning streak against the Wildcats.

    This matchup is sure to be a high-intensity game with both teams bringing their A-game. Make sure to tune in and catch all the action as the Kansas State Wildcats take on the Baylor Bears in what promises to be an exciting showdown. Let’s go Wildcats! #KStateMBB #GameDay #2025Season.

    Tags:

    1. 2025 Kansas State Men’s Basketball
    2. Kansas State vs Baylor
    3. Big 12 Basketball
    4. College Basketball 2025
    5. Kansas State Wildcats
    6. Baylor Bears
    7. Game 18
    8. NCAA Basketball
    9. Kansas State Basketball Schedule
    10. Matchup Preview

    #Kansas #State #Mens #Basketball #Game #Baylor

  • No. 1 UCLA WBB Begins a Big Week Against Baylor


    It is going to be a long week for the Bruins. The No. 1 UCLA women’s basketball team (17-0, 6-0) starts things out on Monday with a neutral site game against the Baylor Bears (16-3, 6-1) in the inaugural Coretta Scott King Classic at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey (12:00 p.m. PT, FOX). And that is just the start.

    The Bruins then play another game in New Jersey on Thursday as they take on Rutgers, followed by a Sunday morning affair at No. 8 Maryland. Needless to say, head coach Cori Close and her squad have some challenges in front of them.

    But one game at a time. The Bruins will partake in a rare non-conference game in the middle of conference play. UCLA and Baylor will be the first of two games in the King Classic, with the second being a contest between No. 7 Texas and Maryland.

    This will be the 11th time the Bruins and Bears will face each other, with Baylor holding the 7-3 advantage. UCLA came away with the 82-68 victory in the last game, which took place on Nov. 18, 2017.

    (Photo: USA TODAY Sports)

    This game could have a closer result. Despite Baylor not currently being ranked, the Bears are hanging just outside the Top 25 with eight votes in the most recent AP Poll, essentially putting them as 31st in the nation. They are also No. 24 in the NET Rankings. Essentially, it is not a bad team.

    The Bears are currently 3rd in the Big XII standings hindered by their lone conference loss to Oklahoma State. The other season losses have come against Oregon and Indiana, a team UCLA recently beat by double digits. Baylor recently won against No. 23 Utah, which will look good on their tournament resume.

    Currently, Baylor is 21st in the nation in scoring offense, as they are averaging 81.1 points per game. This is the culmination of five players averaging over ten points per game. The head of that class is guard/forward Darianna Littlepage-Buggs who is averaging a double-double with 14.5 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. She is tied for 22nd in the nation with 8 double-doubles. Littlepage-Buggs is also 9th in the Big XII in field goal percentage with 52.8%.

    Center Aaronette Vonleh is the top Bear on the team in field goal percentage as she is making 61.2% of her shots. That is 6th in the Big XII and 10th in the nation. She is also averaging 14.2 points per game. Behind her in the scoring column is Jada Walker (11.7), Sarah Andrews (11.4), Yaya Felder (11.1), and Jana Van Gytenbeek (10.0).

    That is pretty on par with what UCLA is doing this season as six players are averaging 9.0+ points this season.

    Center Lauren Betts captured her 10th double-double of the season in the last game against Penn State at Long Beach State. Due to the recent fires in Los Angeles, the Bruins were forced to postpone one game and relocate another. Even with the distraction, UCLA was able to come away with a program record 17 wins to start the season. But back to Betts, she put up 22 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and nearly completed the the triple-double with 7 blocked shots.

    As a team, UCLA is scoring 82.9 points per game, giving the Bruins the 13th best ranking in the country. That is due to the firepower they have behind Betts. Next on the stat column is point guard Kiki Rice with 12.8 points per game, followed by guard Gabriela Jaquez with 10.3, while forwards Timea Gardner, Janiah Barker, and Angela Duglaic are putting up 9.2, 9.2, and 9.1, respectively.

    And let us not forget about the defensive efforts. Baylor is 45th in the nation in scoring defense, allowing 57.6 points. Comparatively, UCLA only allows 53.5 points, 10th in the nation.

    On paper, UCLA looks to be the team with the bigger upside, but not by much. Baylor is a very physical team that can match up with UCLA as several spots. The Bruins have been tested this season, but this is one of the tougher ones as Baylor is fighting to be a NCAA Tournament contender. Either way, UCLA has to be focused in this game and for the long term. Whatever happens against Baylor, there is still Rutgers and Maryland on the horizon. This will definitely be a defining week for the No.1 UCLA women’s basketball team.

    PREDICTION

    No. 1 UCLA Bruins 76

    Baylor Bears 69



    No. 1 UCLA Women’s Basketball Team Kicks Off a Huge Week Against Baylor

    The No. 1 ranked UCLA women’s basketball team is set to face off against a tough opponent this week as they take on Baylor in a highly anticipated matchup. With a perfect record so far this season, the Bruins are looking to continue their winning streak and prove why they are the top team in the country.

    Baylor, known for their strong defense and talented roster, will provide a challenge for UCLA as they look to remain undefeated. This game is sure to be a test of skill and strategy for both teams, with fans eagerly awaiting the outcome.

    As the Bruins gear up for this important game, they know that a win against Baylor will solidify their position as the top team in the nation. With a talented roster and a strong coaching staff, UCLA is ready to take on whatever challenges come their way.

    Stay tuned for what is sure to be an exciting matchup between two powerhouse teams in women’s college basketball. Let’s go Bruins! #1 UCLA WBB #GoBruins #UCLAWomensBasketball #BeatBaylor.

    Tags:

    1. UCLA women’s basketball
    2. Baylor matchup
    3. NCAA basketball
    4. No. 1 ranking
    5. March Madness
    6. College hoops
    7. Top teams
    8. Women’s sports
    9. UCLA Bruins
    10. Baylor Lady Bears

    #UCLA #WBB #Begins #Big #Week #Baylor

  • Cori Close Reflects Ahead of UCLA’s Showdown With Baylor


    The UCLA women’s basketball team, off to a historic 17-0 start (6-0 in Big Ten play), is set to take on Baylor University (16-3, 6-1) at the inaugural Coretta Scott King Classic. 

    For Coach Cori Close, the event represents more than a competitive clash between two powerhouse programs. It’s an opportunity to honor the legacy of Coretta Scott King and the King family’s contributions to justice and equality.

    “To be a part of excellent competition against Baylor and having national exposure is always special,” Close told reporters on Friday. “When you can couple it with such an amazing, important cause and recognition in the Coretta Scott King Classic — acknowledging the great work of the King family — that’s really unique. It’s really an honor to be a part of it, and I love the vision that has been executed here. We’re lucky to be participating in such a great event.”

    Baylor enters the game ranked among the nation’s top programs, despite taking some early-season losses. They boast an impressive win over Utah, a team UCLA is familiar with from conference play.

    “Baylor’s playing great,” Close said. “Their talent package is there. Just because they took some losses early, they’re a really good team and they’re playing really well. They beat a really good Utah team, obviously, that we’re really familiar with. We’re very attentive to what Baylor’s doing and how well they’re playing right now.”

    Monday’s game marks the 11th meeting between the two programs. Baylor holds a 7-3 advantage in the all-time series, but UCLA claimed victory in its last matchup, an 82-68 win at Pauley Pavilion in 2017. With both teams playing at a high level, the matchup promises to be a closely contested battle.

    The Bruins are heading into the game after a challenging week, both on and off the court. Wildfires in Los Angeles have impacted the team, adding emotional weight to their preparation.

    “I think there are pluses and minuses to both sides,” Close said about the timing of the trip. “Going on the road may be able to narrow our focus and give us some family time, but it’s also going to be a taxing trip. The bottom line is that we’ve known this was coming for a long time, and we’re prepared for it. We have to pre-decide that we are lucky to compete. We’re ready. We’re going to make the most of every opportunity and create some memorable wins along the way.”

    Amid adversity, Close expressed admiration for her team’s resilience and character.

    “I love them deeply,” Close said. “I love their work ethic, their commitment to represent this university, and the choices they’ve made. That’s why I could care less about 17-0. All I care about is being 1-0 on Monday afternoon. The road to go where we want to go is very narrow, but I believe this team is committed to and willing to do what it takes to stay on that road.”

    Close emphasized the importance of focusing on the small details that make a big difference, even when success comes easily.

    “We’re still scoring, we’re still winning, we’re still getting stops, even when we haven’t paid close enough attention to the details,” Close said. “It’s my job to create that discomfort when we don’t do that. It’s about making the details stick in their hearts and minds because that’s what will matter in the toughest moments.”

    The Coretta Scott King Classic is an opportunity for UCLA to not only maintain its undefeated record but also grow as a team. With Baylor providing a formidable challenge, the game serves as a measuring stick for the Bruins as they continue their pursuit of excellence.

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    As UCLA’s women’s basketball team prepares to face off against Baylor in a highly anticipated matchup, head coach Cori Close took a moment to reflect on the team’s journey and the challenges that lie ahead.

    Close, who has led the Bruins to multiple NCAA tournament appearances and a reputation as a competitive force in women’s college basketball, expressed her pride in her team’s growth and resilience throughout the season.

    “We’ve faced tough opponents and adversity, but we’ve come out stronger because of it,” Close said. “Our players have shown incredible determination and heart, and I have no doubt they will bring that same energy to the court against Baylor.”

    The Bruins will face a formidable opponent in the Baylor Lady Bears, who are known for their physical play and dominant inside presence. Close acknowledged the challenges that Baylor presents but expressed confidence in her team’s ability to rise to the occasion.

    “We know Baylor is a tough team, but we are prepared and focused on executing our game plan,” Close said. “We have the talent, the drive, and the will to compete at the highest level, and I believe in our ability to come out on top.”

    As the Bruins gear up for the showdown with Baylor, Close emphasized the importance of staying true to their identity as a team and playing with passion and intensity.

    “We have worked hard all season to get to this point, and we are ready to leave it all on the court,” Close said. “I have full faith in this team and their ability to rise to the challenge and make a statement in this game.”

    Fans are eagerly anticipating the matchup between UCLA and Baylor, with both teams poised to deliver a thrilling and competitive game. Close’s reflections serve as a reminder of the dedication and determination that have brought the Bruins to this point, and her confidence in her team’s abilities is sure to inspire both players and supporters alike.

    Tags:

    • Cori Close
    • UCLA women’s basketball
    • Baylor
    • NCAA basketball
    • March Madness
    • College hoops
    • Women’s sports
    • Coaching reflections
    • NCAA tournament
    • UCLA vs Baylor
    • Elite Eight
    • Women’s basketball coaches
    • College basketball showdown

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