Previewing The Baylor Bears | 0-6 All-Time Against Top Ranked Opponents

The Baylor Bears are coming off a 24-win season but lose a bit of experience and leadership from last year's squad. Without the vocal leadership and play of Kenny Chery and Royce O'Neal, Scott Drew was forced to look elsewhere to fill the void. Of course, a potential first round pick sits on the roster along with one budding star. Currently sitting atop the Big XII standings, the Bears play host to the Oklahoma Sooners in Waco, Texas at 11 AM on Saturday.

Scoring Options

Current first round pick in ESPN's Mock Draft, Taurean Prince experienced a break out year as a junior. The effort earned the 6-8 forward National Sixth Man of the Year honors. Hoping to continue the success, Prince returned for a senior season. Now slotted as a starter, the Texas native leads the team in scoring at 15 points per game. Behind him, a familiar face emerges in Rico Gathers who reinvented himself after troubles during the offseason. Regardless of what transpired in the past, Gathers averages a double-double on 12.8 points and 10.7 rebounds. Rounding out the consistent options, Baylor possesses two others capable of reaching double figures on any given night including sophomore Johnathan Motley.

Nation's No. 1 Assist Team

There's no denying the Bears share the ball extremely well. Racking up 20.9 assists per game solidifies the notion as it's one category Baylor leads the nation in. With quick ball movement, the possibility of turnovers increases greatly. But, BU turns the ball over 12.7 times a game. While the number alone may not be impressive, Baylor ranks sixth in the nation in turnover to assist ration a 1.65.

Struggles Against Top Ranked Opponent

A look over the past week in the Big XII revealed no answers while raising more questions. Baylor needed two overtimes to defeat the Kansas State Jayhawks and Texas downed the Mountaineers. Regardless, BU holds a 0-6 record against top ranked opponents. Against No. 1 opponents, Baylor has lost by an average margin of 19.8 points. On Saturday, it just so happens that the Sooners bring top ranked squad in the nation to Waco despite losing on Big Monday. Will the trend continue?