Big 12 Basketball power rankings: Texas Tech emerges as big threat to Kansas

10. Baylor Bears (5-3)

Previous ranking: 8

After an easy opening slate to start the season, Baylor faced much tougher teams in the past two weeks. In the Emerald Classic, the Bears fell to Ole Miss by eight before surviving against a vastly struggling George Mason program.

But the result that surprised people the most is the recent loss at Wichita State. Losing to the Shockers isn’t the worst thing but going down 44-15 at the half while putting up little defensive effort is just unacceptable. The Bears ultimately fought back and cut the lead to just five late in the second half before losing at the very end.

The overall results haven’t been good but the positive news is that the team is now at full strength. Makai Mason has inserted himself as the team’s starting point guard while Mississippi State transfer Mario Kegler is back after serving a suspension to start the season. The duo has provided over 20 ppg combined in the last two games and helps out a team who ranks in the middle in the country in most offensive categories.

The arrival of those two comes at a cost of Devonte Bandoo‘s minutes and contributions. Baylor’s leading scorer two weeks ago, Bandoo has scored just nine points combined in the last four games. His playing time has been sporadic and has gone to the bench in place of Kegler but will still have an impact on the team.