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Big 12 Basketball: Kansas vs. Baylor preview, prediction, TV schedule

By Taylor Sturm

Jan 28, 2017; Lexington, KY, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason III (0) makes a layup against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kansas defeated Kentucky 79-73. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Lexington, KY, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason III (0) makes a layup against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kansas defeated Kentucky 79-73. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /
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The two best teams in the Big 12 face off on Saturday afternoon, as the Kansas Jayhawks travel to Waco to take on the Baylor Bears in the biggest college basketball game of the day.

TV Schedule: Saturday, Feb. 18, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS

Arena: Ferrell Center, Waco, TX

After a 15-0 start to the season that was followed by a 5-1 stretch, the Baylor Bears have come back down to Earth a bit on a run of games that has seen them lose three of their last five. Currently two games behind the Kansas Jayhawks at the top of the Big 12 standings, Baylor will have an opportunity to close that margin as they face Bill Self and Co. at home. A win here could not only shake up the Big 12, but have a major impact on 2017 NCAA Tournament seeding as well.

Kansas, on the other hand, continue to roll after their shock loss to the Iowa State Cyclones. Beating the Kansas State Wildcats on the road, the Texas Tech Red Raiders on the road, and the West Virtginia Mountaineers at home all by two possessions or less, the Jayhawks have shown they can close out close games. This is a scary thing for teams set to face them late in the season, because no lead will be safe from a team confident they can win in crunch time.

This match-up is going to be crazy intense. Kansas won by just five at home earlier in the season, and seem to be starting up their usual end of season dominating run. Baylor will be ready for revenge after they feel they should have been able to win on the road and are desperate to rebound from a shaky last few games.

Next: What did we learn from KU's win over WVU?

While I would love a Baylor upset, I have to give this one to Kansas, as the Jayhawks are arguably the best team in the country – and my pick right now to win it all.

Prediction: Kansas 75, Baylor 71

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