Game Primer: How to Watch, Key Players and Important Information for Baylor at Kansas
The Kansas Jayhawks continued their two-game skid when they traveled down to Texas Tech on Saturday. And now that it is a full-blown losing streak, they will attempt to break it against a Top 5 team in the Baylor Bears.
The Bears are led by 3rd-year head coach Nicki Collen, who has a 62-20 record at the school. She is a perfect 4-0 against Kansas while Kansas head coach Brandon Schneider has lost all 16 games against Baylor while at Kansas.
Baylor leads the overall series 39-8, including a 17-5 record in games played in Lawrence. The last time the Jayhawks defeated the Bears was on January 19, 2014.
Before today's important matchup, here are the essentials:
The Numbers
Editor's Note: Unless otherwise noted, all stats are provided by CBB Analytics. CBB Analytics is a new stats website in college hoops, covering both men and women's basketball in D-I, D-II and D-III. You can follow them on Twitter @CBBAnalytics
Kansas: 7-7 (0-3 Big 12): CBB Analytics Adjusted Net Rating - 54th overall, 59th offense, 67th defense
#4 Baylor: 14-0 (3-0 Big 12): Net Rating - 6th overall, 12th offense, 3rd defense
Line: TBD
O/U: TBD
How to Watch
Wednesday, January 10th, 6:30 p.m. CST
Lawrence, KS: Allen Fieldhouse
TV: Big 12 NOW on ESPN+
- Josh Klingler (Play-by-Play), Wayne Simien (Analyst)
Radio: IMG Jayhawk Radio Network
- Steven Davis (Play-by-Play)
Webcast: Kansas Online Radio
Game Coverage
Follow along during the game for live updates on Twitter or on our LIVE Blog.
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Opponent Team Form
The Bears have been absolutely dominant to start the year, winning every game on their schedule by at least 6 points, even a trip to #5 Texas to open up conference play.
It's probably easier to tell you what they don't do well than list all the things that they actually do well. On offense, they don't get to the line particularly well and when they do get to the line they only make 72%. They are just middle of the pack when it comes to percentage of shots from three point range.
On the defensive end, they hold opponents to just 55.1 points per game, allowing a large number of two-point shots. They don't get many blocks, but they are fantastic in pretty much every other aspect of the game.
Players to Watch
Sarah Andrews - 5'6" Senior Guard
13.8 pts, 2.3 rebs, 3.3 asts, 1.3 stls, 45.6% 3P%
In no way is Andrews the only great three-point shooter on the Bears squad, but she is the most prolific across the board. The offense runs through her, but she isn't afraid to spread it around. On defense, she is just as dangerous against the best ball-handlers for the opponent.
Dre'Una Edwards - 6'0" Senior Forward
11.8 pts, 7.4 rebs, 3.0 asts, 1.9 stls, 0.6 blks, 52.3% FG%
A transfer from Kentucky, Edwards has bolstered an already formidable interior lineup. She is the second-leading scorer, is second in rebounding and is great at passing from the inside. It's going to be difficult to contain her.
Jada Walker - 5'7" Junior Guard
8.6 pts, 1.7 rebs, 3.9 asts, 1.7 stls, 50.6% 2P%
I could have gone with 5 different players here, but Walker is an absolute terror defensively. She helps facilitate on offense as well, but is the perfect example of a player that can score if called on while making everyone else more dangerous.
Matchups to Watch
Kansas likely needs to find success inside, which is much easier to say than actually do. Taiyanna Jackson seemed a bit off against Texas Tech, so getting her started scoring early should go a long way to boosting her confidence and building some momentum.
The Jayhawks will need to make shots from outside, but it won't be easy. Baylor is one of the best on closing out on three-pointers. Can Holly Kersgieter, Zakiyah Franklin, Wyvette Mayberry and S'mya Nichols do enough on the outside to force Baylor to guard around the entire halfcourt?
Prediction
I really want to pick this one for the Jayhawks, as it would absolutely be the type of big win that would restore confidence in the season. But Baylor is absolutely ridiculous across the entire lineup, and I just don't know how Kansas does enough to keep this one close.
Baylor 75, Kansas 63.
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