Maybe it was the magic of RG3′s presence. Maybe it was the added focus of Senior Night, as Pierre Jackson and A.J. Walton played their final regular-season games on the Ferrell Center floor. Maybe it was just head coach Scott Drew’s squad clicking the way they’ve known was possible all year.
Whatever the key, the end result grabbed the nation’s attention, as Baylor men’s basketball stunned No. 3-ranked Kansas, 81-58, Saturday night at the Ferrell Center in front of a national ESPN audience.
[VIDEO/PHOTOS: Highlights from ESPN and Baylor Athletics || Pictures from Baylor Photography and the AP]
The 23-point loss was the Jayhawks’ worst in seven years and kept KU from winning the Big 12 title outright; instead, they finish tied for first with in-state rival Kansas State. Baylor, meanwhile, won its 18th game for the sixth straight season; prior to Scott Drew’s arrival, the Bears had won 18 or more games just six times in 101 years.
For now, let’s enjoy this one. Jackson and Walton certainly did, combining for 40 points and 15 assists. Junior Cory Jefferson also had himself a night, with 25 points, seven rebounds, three blocks, several monster dunks, and the first three 3-pointers of his career.
Robert Griffin III, BA ’10, decked out in his own Baylor “electricity” No. 10 jersey, also seemed to be having a good time, seated right behind the BU bench. The Redskins QB was in the area after having seen his hometown of Copperas Cove dedicate a street, “Robert Griffin III Blvd.,” in his honor on Friday.
Sic ’em, Baylor basketball!
