Tue Feb 04 08:00:00 IST 2025: **Baylor Stuns Kansas with Epic Second-Half Comeback**
WACO, Texas — Baylor University’s Bears pulled off a stunning upset victory over the No. 11 ranked Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday, overcoming a 21-point deficit to win 81-70. The comeback surpassed Kansas’ previous largest blown lead in a loss, a 20-point deficit against Arizona in 2003.
Freshman Robert Wright III led the charge for Baylor, scoring 20 of his 24 points in the second half. The Bears opened the second half with a 26-6 run, erasing the Jayhawks’ commanding lead and igniting the sellout crowd at Foster Pavilion. While Kansas briefly regained a 10-point lead, Baylor closed the game with a decisive 26-7 run. Jalen Celestine’s clutch three-pointer with four minutes remaining secured the Bears’ victory.
The comeback was even more impressive considering Baylor played without leading Big 12 scorer VJ Edgecombe, who left the game with an injury during the rally.
Kansas coach Bill Self, while maintaining his characteristic humor, attributed the team’s second-half collapse, in part, to the oranges provided at halftime by Baylor. He also noted the team’s lack of execution in the second half, contrasting their strong first-half performance with their significantly weaker second-half play. The Jayhawks shot just 36% from the field in the second half and were outscored 24-11 in points off turnovers.
Hunter Dickinson led Kansas with 20 points, but the Jayhawks lacked consistent scoring from other players. Baylor coach Scott Drew credited the team’s incredible comeback to the crowd’s energy and the players’ resilience against a highly-ranked opponent. The win improves Baylor’s record to 14-7 (6-4 Big 12), while Kansas falls to 15-6 (6-4 Big 12). The loss marks another significant setback for Kansas following a similarly dramatic loss to Houston last week.
First Piper 