Kansas blew yet another lead in a gut-wrenching loss to Baylor on Saturday, marking a troubling pattern for the Jayhawks this season. Despite a strong first half, Kansas couldn’t hold on to its advantage, ultimately falling to Baylor, 72-69, in a game that left fans and players alike frustrated.
The Jayhawks entered the game with high expectations, coming off a strong performance in their previous outing. Early on, they lived up to the hype. Kansas dominated the first 20 minutes, playing sharp defense and getting solid contributions from key players like Jalen Wilson and Gradey Dick. The Jayhawks built a comfortable lead, showcasing their offensive prowess and seemingly having control of the game.
However, as the second half unfolded, Kansas’ play began to unravel. After a quick start to the second half, Baylor slowly crept back into the game, aided by several unforced turnovers from Kansas and missed opportunities on offense. Baylor, known for its tenacity and ability to capitalize on mistakes, took full advantage of Kansas’ slip-ups.
The game remained tight down the stretch, and with just seconds remaining, Baylor’s Adam Flagler hit a crucial three-pointer to give the Bears a 72-69 lead. Kansas had a chance to respond, but a last-second shot attempt fell short, sealing the victory for Baylor.
For Kansas, the loss was a frustrating reminder of their inability to close out games. In recent weeks, the Jayhawks have repeatedly squandered leads, whether through poor shooting, missed free throws, or turnovers at critical moments. Head coach Bill Self has spoken openly about his team’s inconsistency, and this game was no different. “We’ve got to be better down the stretch,” Self said after the game. “You can’t let games like this slip away.”
Jalen Wilson, the team’s star player, led the Jayhawks with 22 points, but even his impressive performance wasn’t enough to carry Kansas to victory. The Jayhawks also struggled to get other players involved offensively, as Baylor’s defense tightened up in the second half. Gradey Dick, who had been a standout early in the season, was held to just 9 points and couldn’t find his rhythm when the team needed him most.
Defensively, Kansas couldn’t contain Baylor’s shooters. Flagler and LJ Cryer each contributed heavily, with Flagler’s three-pointer proving to be the game’s turning point. The Jayhawks also failed to rebound effectively, allowing Baylor multiple second-chance opportunities that contributed to the Bears’ comeback.
As the season progresses, Kansas faces growing questions about its ability to maintain its composure and finish games. With the Big 12 race heating up, the Jayhawks cannot afford to keep letting leads slip away. Bill Self will undoubtedly have his work cut out for him as he looks to address his team’s late-game struggles.
Kansas fans are hoping that this loss will serve as a wake-up call. The Jayhawks’ talent is undeniable, but their ability to execute in crunch time will be the deciding factor in how deep they can go this season. If they can’t clean up their mistakes and become more consistent, their aspirations for a deep March Madness run could quickly fade.
