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Baylor Basketball: 3 takeaways from decisive win over No. 9 Kansas

By Benjamin Zacher

Jan 18, 2021; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears guard Mark Vital (11) waves to the fans at Ferrell Center during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2021; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears guard Mark Vital (11) waves to the fans at Ferrell Center during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports /
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Baylor Basketball Davion Mitchell Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
Baylor Basketball Davion Mitchell Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports /

1. While their defense was not up to standard, it was Baylor’s offense that was the star

In terms of shooting numbers, the Bears uncharacteristically struggled in shutting down the Jayhawks, holding Kansas to 45.5% inside – slightly better than Baylor’s average – but allowing them to shoot 52.6% from outside.  The Jayhawks were not bad offensively in the first half despite trailing by 13 points, averaging 0.966 points per possession – and upping that to 1.242 in the second stanza.

That 52.6% mark is the highest clip allowed by the Bears this season, outmatching Central Arkansas’ 46.2% mark last month.  Kansas’ FG% of 48.1% was the second-highest allowed by Baylor this season, as well, outdone by Louisiana in Baylor’s season-opener.  That is obviously not an issue considering Baylor won the game – but that is something the Bears will have to tighten up moving forward, especially before they face Texas.

It was Baylor’s offense that powered them to victory.  The Bears averaged a blistering 1.18 points per possession, with 1.323 and 1.059 marks in the first and second halves, respectively.  The Bears made just one less three than Kansas while attempting the same amount, draining 47.4% from outside – while making four more two-pointers with the same amount of attempts (19-33, 57.6%).

The Bears own the fourth-most efficient office in the nation, and that was on full display against Kansas.  Baylor outperformed the Jayhawks in numerous offensive categories, including in points off turnovers, offensive rebounds, second-chance points, points in the paint, and fast breakpoints.

Baylor rightfully receives credit for its defense, which ranks as the most-efficient in college basketball this season.  But their offense deserves just as much credit.  They rank in the top ten in effective FG%, offensive rebounding percentage, and 3P%, and their offense has led them to win 11 of their games by double-digits.  With their defensive struggles against Kansas, their offense was forced to step up – and it was the star of the night.

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