Baylor Basketball: Five reasons why the Bears will win it all

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Jan 7, 2017; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears forward Johnathan Motley (5) shakes the hand of guard Al Freeman (25) after picking up a foul against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the second half at Ferrell Center. Baylor won 61-57. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Defense

Statistically speaking, Baylor is as dominant defensively as any team in the country. According to KenPom’s ranking, Baylor is 5th in adjusted defensive efficiency. Baylor also ranks 6th in opponent effective field goal percentage and ranks 4th in opponents points per game.

The reasoning for Baylor’s defensive dominance is their zone. It can seemingly change itself from a 1–1–3, to a 2–3, to a 1–3–1 with what appears to be little effort. The zone seems fluid and shapes itself to squeeze the life out of opposing offenses.

The anchor of this defense is seven-foot junior Jo Lual-Acuil Jr., who averages 3.5 blocks per game. Baylor is a tall and long team that can dig in defensively.

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