An elite defense could take any team with it far in the tournament. Baylor (+3,500) is one of those squads hoping that slowing down the game’s tempo and playing chokehold defense would bring the national title along with it back to Waco. The Bears gave up just 62.5 points per game back in the regular season, during which they also ranked 338th in KenPom’s adjusted tempo. They’re as great in defending around the rim just as they close out on outside shooters, as the team registers 4.9 blocks per game and limits opponents to a mere 31.2 percent shooting from beyond the arc.
Team Weaknesses:
You couldn’t tell that the Bears once committed close to 30 turnovers in a game while also ranked No. 1 in the nation. The Bears have plenty of trouble taking care of the leather this season and that was put on display when they committed 29 miscues in their 89-68 loss to West Virginia on Jan. 10. For the record, Baylor is 214th in the nation in turnovers with game with 13.5.
