Kansas vs Baylor Basketball Recap

Kansas 81, Baylor 75

Sometimes, good enough isn't good enough. And on a few rare occasions, "great" isn't even good enough. That's what the Baylor Bears are realizing after a magnificent performance led to nothing more than a six-point loss on the road.

Strolling into Phog Allen Fieldhouse - where the homestanding Kansas Jayhawks had won 52 straight games - Coach Scott Drew's Baylor ballclub flashed its most fabulous form. From start to finish, the wonderboys from Waco, Tex., competed with uncommon serenity in one of college basketball's most intimidating settings.

Baylor star LaceDarius Dunn merely threw down 27 points on 8-of-14 shooting - 5 of 8 from 3-point range - and was unfazed by KU's long and rangy defenders, not to mention the Jayhawks' switches on ball screens at the top of the key. Dunn hit an array of shots with various arcs and angles, wowing the crowd at the Phog and continuously silencing the loud din of Jayhawk partisans.

Bears forward Quincy Acy had a perfect night as a shooter. Hitting all four of his field goals and both of his free throws, the superb sophomore excelled as a sixth man for the visitors, scoring 10 points and pulling down nine rebounds in a high-impact performance off the bench.

Due to their high-level display in Lawrence, Kan., the Bears stood dead even with the No. 3 team in the United States at the 2:59 mark of regulation. Knotted with KU in a 67-67 standoff, Baylor had every opportunity to produce the biggest upset of the Big 12 season.

As well as BU balled on Wednesday, however, Kansas rendered the Bears' efforts irrelevant... at least in the cruel bottom-line context of winning and losing.

> Check out the great selection ofKansas Jayhawks apparel & clothing

KU guard Sherron Collins reaffirmed his reputation as a stone-cold killer. While teammate Marcus Morris dominated the offensive glass and snared multiple rebounds in the final three minutes of play, it was Collins who delivered the daggers Baylor could never overcome. A steely two-point bucket gave KU a 69-67 edge with 2:40 left, and after the teams traded points, Collins found open space on the left wing and drained a 24-footer for a 74-69 Jayhawk cushion with 1:14 to go. The dynamic Mr. Dunn ran out of bullets, and the Jayhawks - though frankly outplayed - walked away with the win.

Great efforts can meet with a less than satisfying outcome. Baylor trudged off a hardwood slab in dejection on Wednesday, but as long as the Bears keep the faith, they'll be in good shape when the NCAA Tournament field is announced.

By: Matt Zemek
Big 12 Fans Senior Staff Writer