No. 2 Baylor (21-1) takes on Kansas State (9-19) at 1:30 today in Kansas City in the Big 12 Tournament. The game airs on ESPN.

I’ll be at the game, assuming my directionally challenged soul can find the elevator to the media section.

Three Keys:

1) Limit KSU’s 3-point shooting- The Wildcats have been better from inside the arc while winning 4-of-5 games to end the season. But the talent differential is still too great in this game for KSU to win without a hot 3-point shooting day.

2) Don’t get killed on the defensive glass- Once again, Baylor is just a lot better than Kansas State. The Bears cleared 100 both times—the only time that happened against a Bruce Weber coached team.

KSU needs to overwhelm Baylor in other aspects of the game. Even though KSU ranks 114 in offensive rebounding, the Bears have ranked sub 280 since coming back from COVID. Today is a good day to limit second chances that could boost KSU’s chances.

3) Put them away- KSU’s playing out of its mind lately. Baylor should put them away and remind the Wildcats why they lost by 30 plus points twice.

Prediction:

KSU is playing better. After blowing out the Wildcats twice, the Bears might take them too lightly.

After last year’s season cancelation, and a concern about the defense not being as good since the return, I think Baylor will play well and win this one comfortably. I’ll take Baylor 81-60.