Pre-Duel Pleasantries: Baylor

Tonight the Xavier Musketeers face their toughest test so far with the Baylor Bears coming to town. To help get you ready for the game, we did a little pre-game Q and A with Kendall Kaut over at Our Daily Bears.

1.) 5-0 with wins over Wisconsin and Creighton. How is the mood in Waco right now?

People are confident about the basketball team. Johnathan Motley and Ish Wainright were big losses, but the team returned a lot of good players. Most expect another NCAA Tournament appearance and a top half Big 12 finish. That seems very likely.

2.) King McClure seems to be either on fire or in a funk. How do you think he will do on Tuesday night?

I think he'll play well. Sometimes he doesn't hunt for his shot enough when he misses a few shots early. He's a good creator, and after Jake Lindsey was injured against Creighton, he ran the point some too.

3.) Kansas always takes (or ties) the regular season, but is this the year that someone takes them down? Where do you see Baylor fitting into the Big 12 standings?

KU will win the league. They're one of the best teams in the country, and they have the best home court advantage in the sport--by far. I have Baylor finishing 3rd. Once Esa Ahmad returns, I think West Virginia will be a little bit better.