In a thrilling matchup, No. 15 Baylor secured an 82-74 victory over seventh-ranked Kansas, marking the Jayhawks' first consecutive losses of the season. RayJ Dennis led the charge for the Bears with 19 points and 10 assists, while Jayden Nunn contributed 18 points, including crucial fastbreak layups during a pivotal run.
Yves Missi and Ja'Kobe Walter also made significant contributions, scoring 17 and 11 points, respectively, for Baylor.
The game took an exciting turn when Nunn and Dennis orchestrated a 13-2 run, fueled by Nunn's lightning-fast layups, which extended Baylor's lead from one to 12 points with 10 minutes remaining.
Despite a strong effort from Kansas, led by Kevin McCullar Jr. and Hunter Dickinson, who both scored 20 points, the Jayhawks fell short. Dajuan Harris added 12 points and nine assists in a commendable performance.
Notably, this loss marks a historic moment for Kansas, as it is the first time in Coach Bill Self's 21 seasons that the team has accumulated seven conference losses. The Jayhawks now face a crucial period, needing a win in their upcoming games to maintain their streak of 35 consecutive winning conference records.
On the other hand, Baylor continues to showcase its dominance, boasting an impressive record of 32-15 against AP Top 25 opponents over the past five seasons. The Bears have won 13 of their last 18 games against top 10 teams, solidifying their status as a formidable force in college basketball.
Both teams displayed strong inside play, with the Jayhawks scoring 46 points in the paint, while Baylor's Missi and Dickinson showcased their skills with powerful dunks and layups.
Looking ahead, Kansas will face off against Kansas State in their next game, aiming to bounce back from their recent losses. Meanwhile, Baylor is set to play Texas in their upcoming home finale, gearing up for another exciting matchup.
Despite the outcome, both teams demonstrated resilience and skill on the court, setting the stage for an intriguing finish to the college basketball season.
