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No. 11 Kansas suffered its biggest collapse in program history, falling 81-70 to Baylor after leading by 19 points at halftime. Robert Wright III was instrumental in this stunning turnaround, scoring 20 of his 24 points in the second half, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
The Jayhawks (15-6, 6-4 Big 12) held a commanding 40-21 lead at halftime, but their momentum faded dramatically, reminiscent of a recent game against sixth-ranked Houston where they also faced a late-game collapse. This defeat raises questions about Kansas’s ability to maintain leads against formidable opponents.
Norchad Omier’s two free throws brought the Bears (14-7, 6-4) within one point at 46-45 with 13:39 left on the clock, marking a significant shift in the game’s dynamics. This 21-point comeback is now the largest ever achieved against Kansas, a testament to Baylor’s resilience.
Despite the historic loss, Kansas coach Bill Self maintained his humor, joking about the halftime oranges provided by Baylor, attributing their poor performance in the second half to the snack. His light-heartedness in the face of adversity reflects the character of a seasoned coach.
This defeat eclipses the previous record for the largest lead lost by Kansas, which was a 20-point advantage against Arizona at Allen Fieldhouse in 2003. Both instances highlight a troubling pattern for the Jayhawks when they allow opponents to claw back into the game.
Baylor seized control of the game with a pivotal three-pointer from Jalen Celestine with just four minutes remaining, turning the tide after Kansas had briefly regained a 10-point lead. This critical shot exemplified Baylor’s tenacity and ability to capitalize on key moments.
Hunter Dickinson led the scoring for Kansas with 20 points, while Dajuan Harris Jr. contributed 12. On the Baylor side, Omier recorded a double-double with 18 points and 16 rebounds, and VJ Edgecombe added 14 points before leaving the game due to injury.
Baylor coach Scott Drew emphasized the significance of their limited bench and the support from the crowd, attributing their success to the energy in the arena. Despite only registering 11 assists, he humorously suggested that the crowd played a crucial role in their offensive execution.
Takeaways
Baylor’s full-court pressure disrupted Kansas’s offensive flow in the second half, leading to a dismal shooting percentage of 36%. This tactical shift proved vital in reversing the game’s momentum.
The Bears managed to complete their comeback without Edgecombe, a key player who ranks third in Big 12 scoring. His early exit due to injury added to the drama of the game, yet Baylor’s determination shone through.
Key moment
Celestine’s game-changing three-pointer solidified Baylor’s lead, allowing them to outscore Kansas 18-7 in the final minutes. This moment encapsulated the Bears’ comeback spirit and strategic execution.
Key stat
In the first half, Kansas dominated bench scoring with a 20-0 advantage. However, Baylor flipped the script in the second half, outscoring Kansas’s bench 12-8, showcasing their depth and adaptability.
Up next
Kansas will face No. 3 Iowa State at home on Monday, while Baylor travels to play 22nd-ranked Texas Tech on Tuesday, both teams looking to build on their recent performances.
