Kansas Finds Its Groove: Jayhawks Dominate Baylor Behind Star Duo and Lockdown Defense
Don’t look now, but Kansas might be turning the corner - and doing it in a big way.
After a shaky 1-2 start to Big 12 play, Bill Self’s squad has responded with authority, stringing together back-to-back statement wins over Iowa State and Baylor. The latest? A commanding 80-62 win over Scott Drew’s Bears that felt like a reminder of what this Jayhawks team is capable of when everything clicks.
And make no mistake - everything did click.
Peterson and Bidunga Put on a Clinic
Let’s start with the headliners. Darryn Peterson and Flory Bidunga didn’t just lead the charge - they were the charge.
The two combined for 49 of Kansas’ 80 points, shooting an absurd 22-for-27 from the field. That’s not just efficient - that’s surgical.
Peterson dropped 26 with a shot-making display that had the Fieldhouse buzzing. Pull-up jumpers, fadeaways, fearless drives - he had it all working.
But what made the performance even more dangerous was Bidunga’s dominance inside. The big man poured in 23 points of his own, grabbed 11 boards, and swatted five shots like he was patrolling his own personal no-fly zone.
It’s one thing for a team to have a go-to scorer. It’s another when they’ve got two weapons firing at that level - and forcing defenses to pick their poison. If these two stay in rhythm, Kansas is going to be a nightmare matchup the rest of the way.
Defense Sets the Tone
For all the offensive fireworks, it was Kansas’ defense that really set the tone. The Jayhawks didn’t just slow Baylor down - they smothered them.
The Bears came into the game shooting nearly 48% from the field. Kansas held them to 36%. That’s not just good defense - that’s taking a top-tier offensive team and making them look ordinary.
The Jayhawks forced 11 turnovers, including eight steals, and made life miserable for Baylor’s ball handlers. It’s exactly the kind of defensive intensity Bill Self has been preaching all season, and on Friday night, it was on full display.
The Bench Still Needs to Step Up
While the starters were lights-out, the bench remains a concern. Kansas ranks 349th nationally in bench scoring, averaging just 13.65 points per game - and they hit that number right on the nose against Baylor, finishing with 13.
At home, with the energy of Allen Fieldhouse behind them, that lack of depth can be masked. But on the road?
In March? That’s a different story.
Kansas will need more from its second unit if it wants to make a deep tournament run. Right now, the margin for error is razor-thin when the starters aren’t on the floor.
Momentum Building at the Right Time
After the win, Scott Drew said it best: “I thought they picked up where they left off against Iowa State.” He wasn’t wrong.
This Kansas team looked confident, composed, and connected on both ends of the floor. The offense flowed.
The defense swarmed. The swagger was back.
Up next, the Jayhawks head to Boulder to face the Colorado Buffaloes on Tuesday night. Tipoff is set for 10 p.m. CT, streaming live on ESPN.
If Kansas keeps playing like this, don’t be surprised if they start climbing right back into the national conversation. The early stumbles may have raised some eyebrows, but the last two games? That’s the Kansas we’ve been waiting for.