Baylor Hoops Team Deserving of Top 25 Nod with Latest Victory over OSU

Regardless of being shafted in the latest top 25 polls (due primarily to the rankings being tainted baby blue), Scott Drew’s Baylor Bears have a redemption week ahead of them.

Beginning tomorrow night at No. 3 Kansas, LaceDarius Dunn and his green and gold teammates aim for a major upset on the road when No. 25 Baylor invades Allen Fieldhouse.

And after No. 1 Texas’ latest setback at No. 9 Kansas State (just don’t call it an “upset”), the Big 12 title is truly up for grabs this season.

Following a tough road loss at Colorado, the Bears battled back with a big home court victory over Oklahoma State on Saturday.

“I think the crowd gave us a great energy boost in the second half and we were able to get a couple of back-to-back baskets and this place was rocking and we were able to get that separation,” Baylor head coach Scott Drew told the Bears' official athletic Web site. “It was a team effort. After a loss, there is nothing better than getting a win. In the second half I think we really tightened it up on the defensive end holding them to 30 percent shooting and 15 percent from the three-point line. Offensively, we shot at a very high rate and made the extra passes. Give credit to the guys for stepping up.”

Dunn led the way in scoring for Baylor in the Bears' wild win over the Cowboys on Saturday at the Ferrell Center, garnering 25 points and nine rebounds.

And shortly after being whistled for two quick fouls in a matter of seconds, Dunn lit the place on fire.

“I just got caught up in the spirit of the moment, and with my teammates being great leaders they were calming me down and got me back in the game,” Dunn said. “[Picking up two fouls] just gave me a little spurt and made me want to go on a little [shooting] run by myself.”

In less than 24 hours, Baylor will be tipping off a Big 12 battle with Kansas in Lawrence; personally, I can’t wait to pull on my Bears jersey come game time…

Denton Ramsey may be reached via email at [e-mail]