Baylor Bears
Record: 22-11 (10-8 Big 12)
Head Coach: Scott Drew (13th season)
Season Recap: After starting the season 17-4 led by veteran forwards Taurean Prince, Rico Gathers and Johnathan Motley—who average a combined 37.9 points and 20.3 rebounds per game—the Bears struggled down the stretch, dropping seven of their last 11 games including the Big 12 tournament. Point guard Lestor Medford runs Baylor's offense—which ranks sixth nationally with 17.8 assists per contest—the Bears' lengthy matchup zone defense can confound opponents.
With its strength on the glass and disciplined defense, Baylor has recorded two wins apiece against top-6 seeds Iowa State and Texas, but the Bears struggled against the top teams in the Big 12, going 0-7 combined against Kansas, Oklahoma and West Virginia.
How they make a run: Baylor's forwards dominate the offensive glass to create extra possessions and opponents are stymied by the team's complex zone defense, leading to a deep run for the Bears.
How they falter: Opponents with sharp-shooting guards are able to shoot over the top of Baylor's defense and shoot their way past the Bears, who lose early in the Big Dance.
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Jacob Weiss is a Trinity senior. His column, "not jumping to any conclusions," runs on alternate Fridays.