Fansided

College basketball week 3: 5 biggest takeaways

By Chris Stone

Nov 22, 2016; Lahaina, Maui, HI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nigel Hayes (10) drives to the basket against Georgetown Hoyas guard Rodney Pryor (23) during the Maui Jim Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2016; Lahaina, Maui, HI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nigel Hayes (10) drives to the basket against Georgetown Hoyas guard Rodney Pryor (23) during the Maui Jim Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 24, 2016; Paradise Island, BAHAMAS; Baylor Bears forward Johnathan Motley (5) dribbles as Michigan State Spartans guard Miles Bridges (22) defends during the first half in the 2016 Battle 4 Atlantis in the Imperial Arena at the Atlantis Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2016; Paradise Island, BAHAMAS; Baylor Bears forward Johnathan Motley (5) dribbles as Michigan State Spartans guard Miles Bridges (22) defends during the first half in the 2016 Battle 4 Atlantis in the Imperial Arena at the Atlantis Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Baylor has the country’s best resume and could spoil Kansas’ Big 12 hopes

Last week, we wrote about how Baylor has rounded into form as the second best team in the Big 12 conference. This week, the Bears proved just how dangerous they are. Scott Drew’s squad took down the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament during Feast Week, defeating three teams ranked in the KenPom top 40 — VCU, Michigan State and Louisville — in the process. Now, this is starting to look like a team that can challenge Kansas’ streak of 12 straight Big 12 titles.

After scoring 29 points in the Bears’ first two regular season games, forward Johnathan Motley had the breakout everyone has been waiting for in Atlantis. Motley averaged 20.0 points and eight rebounds over the three game stretch while shooting 52.4 percent from the field. The 6-foot-10 junior has a versatile face up game on offense. He’s capable of attacking opposing power forwards off the bounce or by knocking down mid-range jumpers. His skill set has an effect beyond his individual stats. With Motley on the court this season, Baylor is scoring a very solid 1.16 points per possession, according to Hoop Lens.

Because of just how good Kansas is at Allen Fieldhouse, the key to the Bears’ Big 12 title hopes will be whether or not they can hold serve at the Ferrell Center in Waco. History isn’t on their side. Baylor has lost two or more home games during league play in each of the last six seasons. Still, with Motley starting to fulfill expectations, history may not matter that much.