NCAA Basketball top 25 power rankings: Texas Tech rises, Baylor and Providence fall
By Joey Loose
10. Baylor (22-5)
It’s hard to get too upset over losses in the Big 12, though it’s a little unnerving that this Baylor team was the final unbeaten team in the nation just a month ago but now sits with five losses. If anything, these Bears are getting quite battle-tested as they prepare to defend their national title next month. This past week was another example of that, as the Bears had quite the tough road test to start the week.
Unfortunately, the Red Raiders completed a season sweep of the Bears, as Baylor lost on the road 83-73 back on Wednesday night. The Bears had a solid lead at the half, but Texas Tech turned it on after the break; James Akinjo’s 18-point, 7-assist performance was still solid in defeat. Baylor got back on track on Saturday, getting a 72-62 home win over TCU, with Jeremy Sochan providing 17 points in the win.
The Bears are now 10-4 in the Big 12, which is certainly solid considering the strength of this conference. Sure, they haven’t won all of these Big 12 games, but they’re clearly going to be in the thick of not just the Big 12 title race but when the NCAA Tournaments gets going next month. Next week is a chance for revenge, as the Bears will head to Oklahoma State before hosting Kansas, hoping to upend two teams that have beaten them already this year.