The first half started ugly. One game after losing to Missouri you would have expected Kansas to come out motivated and ready for the challenge at hand against Baylor. Instead the Jayhawks looked a bit sluggish, maybe even disinterested. Fortunately Baylor wasn't able to capitalize and run out on the Jayhawks in Waco. That proved to be a pretty big missed opportunity for the Bears.
Behind a MONSTER 1st half from Jeff Withey, Kansas would hang around throughout an ugly first half before eventually taking a surprising three point lead into the intermission. That lead was all the more surprising considering that Thomas Robinson spent a good chunk down the stretch relegated to the bench with two fouls. Add in the fact that the Jayhawks received very little offensively outside of Withey and Tyshawn Taylor and it was a good break for Kansas on the road.
In the second half that Kansas momentum continued and the Jayhawks exploded on Baylor as the offense continued to click and the Kansas defense really stepped up to the plate. Waco went from a potentially hostile road environment, to a pretty manageable road game for a Kansas team that has made a pretty solid living over the years on the road.
What makes this one a little extra special is that it marks the second win over Scott Drew and Baylor. This also marks a road win against the no. 6 team in the country. It is also big for the Jayhawks in terms of the Big 12 title race. With the win Kansas keeps pace with Missouri and the Tigers still have to come to Lawrence.
The Jayhawks were led by Jeff Withey who hit a career high at 17 points in the first half alone. The junior center would finish with 25 points on the night. Tyshawn Taylor also continued to show that he is one of the premier guards in the country finishing with 18 points. Thomas Robinson quietly put together another double double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. It's also worth mentioning Conner Teahan who provided a solid game for Kansas and looked like a player that picked up a bit of confidence as the night went on.
Kansas wins this one by a final score of 68-54. Now the Jayhawks prepare to host the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Saturday before heading to Manhattan for another big road contest against the Kansas State Wildcats on Monday. Every game is big for the Jayhawks right now, but this one certainly provides a nice lift and upholds the Kansas streak of not losing back to back games since 2006.