Baylor Falters in Semis, Falls 52-62 to Kansas

It was an ugly game in just about every respect. Neither team was able to make their three point shots. Baylor finished 3-22, while Kansas was 3-12. Baylor was called for 23 personal fouls, Kansas 13. Baylor turned the ball over 17 times, Kansas 18.

Kenny Chery was the only Bear who could make a shot. He finished 7-14 from the field (4-7 from three) with 5 rebounds. His three with 11:17 brought the score to 35-39, the closest Baylor would get to catching the Jayhawks in the 2nd half.

Taurean Prince, Royce O'Neale, Johnathan Motley, and Lester Medford finished a combined 8-31 for 19 points. Yikes. Those misses came inside, outside, and everywhere in between. In the interior, Kansas provided stout defense and frustrated every attempted layup. From the arc, Baylor just missed open shots, much like down the stretch in Lawrence earlier this season.

Rico Gathers earned his 17th double-double of the season with 11 points and 13 rebounds.

Effort was not the problem for Baylor tonight. They just couldn't make shots. The Bears attacked the rim, took the open look, but nothing fell.

On Kansas' part, Landen Lucas and Perry Ellis came through big. Lucas finished with 6 rebounds and 2 blocks, but his passing from the interior of the zone opened opportunities for his teammates. Ellis, despite a gimpy knee, was able to move around enough to defend well and to bend the zone from the elbow.

Wayne Selden had a fantastic night. He hustled on defense, ran in transition, and scored effectively slashing to the rim. He finished 7-9 from the field for 20 points with 8 rebounds. If Selden continues this level of play, Kansas will be a much more dangerous team in the tournament.

Baylor will get a chance to rest up as it awaits its draw in the NCAA Tournament.