Kansas basketball hosts Baylor inside Allen Fieldhouse on Friday following its first win at home over an AP top-five opponent since taking down Houston 78-65 two seasons ago.
The Jayhawks (12–5, 2–2 Big 12) eye their eighth home win and third straight home victory of the season, looking to improve above .500 in conference play.
Advantages: Flory Bidunga, Tre White proving resilient at the right time
Tre White enters Friday’s matchup playing his best basketball of the season, and that’s not just a statement. The Kansas guard led all scorers against Iowa State, hitting five of seven shots from beyond the arc, and has now shot 40 % or better in three straight games.
Consistency matters against a team like Baylor, a roster full of players known for testing perimeter efficiency. Since transferring from Illinois, White is averaging 15.4 points per game while shooting 44.9% from three.
On paper, White is more than just an option on the perimeter. He gives the Jayhawks a clear offensive edge going into Friday night.
Alongside White’s 19 points against Iowa State, Flory Bidunga totaled four blocks and made his presence felt in the paint. If the big man for Kansas is poised with another 30-minute outing, it will be a long night for the Bears.
Concerns: Baylor’s deep rotation, balanced scoring threats
Baylor’s roster runs deeper than most teams in the Big 12. Six players are averaging double figures, even though a handful play fewer than 22 minutes per game.
The Bears enter Friday's game following a 94-79 win over Oklahoma State, averaging 73.4 points per game, shooting roughly 44% from the field and 33% from three-point range. Baylor also ranks near the middle of the Big 12 offensively.
Transfer James Nnaji hasn’t had a breakout game yet, scoring just five points in his debut against TCU. His size and athleticism could present matchup problems for Kansas, which hasn’t lost to Baylor at home since the 2019–20 season.
Scott Drew’s Baylor team sits 44th in the net rankings and 205th in the nation in scoring defense, allowing right around 74 points per game.
Key Matchups: Guard and Forward Matchups Highlight What’s at Stake
Darryn Peterson matches up well with Baylor's leading scorer, Cameron Carr. Both average right around 20 points per game, sit somewhere in the wheelhouse of 40% from distance, playing a similar number of minutes.
It’s not likely that Baylor will have an answer for the trio of White, Peterson, and Council if they play a similar style to their overtime win against TCU.
Expect a matchup of the guards, not the bigs.
Score Prediction: Kansas 78, Baylor 64
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