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College Basketball: 5 best games for Week 15

By Nathaniel Reeves

Jan 21, 2017; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self calls a play during the first half of the game against the Texas Longhorns at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks won 79-67. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self calls a play during the first half of the game against the Texas Longhorns at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks won 79-67. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 11, 2017; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears forward Johnathan Motley (5) reacts during the second half against the TCU Horned Frogs at Ferrell Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2017; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears forward Johnathan Motley (5) reacts during the second half against the TCU Horned Frogs at Ferrell Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Kansas at Baylor, Saturday 1:00 p.m. ET

While Kansas will at least get some much-needed rest after Monday, its next game in Waco will provide a massive challenge over the weekend.

Despite having a relative lack of depth in the frontcourt, the Jayhawks have managed to put together the nation’s No. 5 adjusted offense per KenPom with outstanding guard play. Jackson has improved everywhere apart from the free throw line, while Mason is in the discussion for player of the year with 20.1 points per game.

Baylor joins Kansas on the one line with a record of 22-3, including a 9-3 mark in Big 12 play. The Bears battled Kansas hard at Phog Allen in a 73-68 loss back on Feb. 1, and have since bounced back with solid wins over Oklahoma State and TCU.

While the Jayhawks figured things out in the second half, Scott Drew frustrated the Kansas offense for much of the game with a number of defensive looks. Baylor’s defense ranks sixth in the nation in adjusted efficiency per KenPom and has the ability to slow down Kansas once again this weekend.

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Getting some offense outside of Manu Lecomte and Jonathan Motley will be the key for the Bears, and the Bears need to avoid turning the ball over. The home crowd will be rocking for one of the most important games in school history, and the Bears will be ready to show they belong among the nation’s elite, meaning Kansas will need a terrific effort to escape with a win in Waco.