Texas and Baylor: A Rivalry Interrupted, But Not Forgotten

Texas and Baylor: A Rivalry Interrupted, But Not Forgotten

For the first time in half a century, the Texas Longhorns and Baylor Bears are not scheduled to face off this season. This long-standing series, which began in the Southwest Conference in 1975 and transitioned to the Big 12 in 1996, has been disrupted by Texas’s move to the SEC. The Longhorns and Bears have clashed at least once a year from 1975 to 2024, and the only way they might meet this season is if fate brings them together in the NCAA tournament.

Despite the absence of their annual showdown, both teams are thriving. The Longhorns have been on a tear, winning 11 consecutive games, while the Bears have notched nine straight victories. Their recent wins this past Monday have brought Texas and Baylor closer to clinching their respective conference regular-season titles.

In a significant development, Texas has ascended to the No. 1 spot in the ESPN Power Rankings, while Baylor makes its first appearance this season at No. 15. The Longhorns have also claimed the top position in the Associated Press poll for the first time since February 2004, following Notre Dame’s double-overtime loss at NC State on Sunday.

Currently, Texas is tied for first place in the SEC with South Carolina, boasting a 13-1 conference record after a commanding 57-26 victory over Georgia. The Longhorns are poised to secure at least a share of the SEC title, with only unranked teams Mississippi State and Florida standing in their way.

Meanwhile, in the Big 12, Baylor secured a 79-62 win at Kansas State on Monday, improving to 15-2 in conference play. TCU, with a 14-2 record, is set to face last-place Houston on Wednesday. It appears that Baylor and TCU will battle for the regular-season title on Sunday when they meet in Waco, Texas. TCU emerged victorious in their first encounter with Baylor this season, winning 80-75 on January 26.

The Texas-Baylor series has seen its share of lopsided moments, with both programs enjoying periods of dominance. Texas leads the series 60-50 and held the upper hand until Kim Mulkey’s arrival at Baylor. Under Mulkey’s leadership, the Bears dominated the conference from 2011 to 2022, capturing 12 Big 12 regular-season titles and nine league tournament championships. Mulkey departed after the 2020-21 season to take the helm at LSU.

Vic Schaefer, who took over as Texas’s head coach in 2020, has been vocal about his ambition to bring another NCAA title to the Longhorns. Texas’s lone national championship came in 1986, and the team now looks every bit like a No. 1 seed.

Nicki Collen, in her fourth year coaching Baylor, has kept the Bears under the radar for much of the season. However, they are hitting their stride at the most crucial time.

1. Texas Longhorns (27-2)

Previous ranking: 2

Texas delivered a dominant performance against Georgia on Monday, their only game of the past week. While a big win was expected, holding the Bulldogs to just 26 points showcased the Longhorns’ tenacity. With size at every position and a confident demeanor, Texas is thriving under Schaefer’s guidance. His familiarity with the SEC from his Mississippi State days has been instrumental in Texas’s seamless transition to the conference, particularly in their defensive prowess.

Next seven days: @ Mississippi State (Feb. 27), vs. Florida (March 2)

2. USC Trojans (25-2)

Previous ranking: 3

JuJu Watkins and Rayah Marshall were instrumental in USC’s victories against then-No. 22 Michigan State and then-No. 25 Illinois last week. With a combined 50 points and 25 rebounds, respectively, they led the Trojans to success. USC now has a week to prepare for their upcoming clash with UCLA, whom they defeated 71-60 in their first meeting on February 13.

Next seven days: @ UCLA (March 1)

3. UCLA Bruins (26-1)

Previous ranking: 4

UCLA secured a 70-55 victory over Illinois but faced a close call against Iowa, narrowly escaping with a 67-65 win. Lauren Betts played a pivotal role, contributing 44 points, 19 rebounds, and 9 blocks in the two victories. The Bruins are set to host USC in their second meeting on Saturday, but first, they must face Wisconsin.

Next seven days: @ Wisconsin (Feb. 26), vs. USC (March 1)

4. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (24-3)

Previous ranking: 1

Notre Dame’s brief stint at No. 1 ended with a loss to NC State, snapping their 19-game winning streak. However, regular-season losses can offer valuable lessons, and for the Irish, it was a reminder of the competition they face. With two ranked teams on the horizon, Notre Dame must regroup quickly.

Next seven days: vs. Florida State (Feb. 27), vs. Louisville (March 2)

5. UConn Huskies (26-3)

Previous ranking: 5

Following their victory over South Carolina, UConn continued their dominance in the Big East with decisive wins over Seton Hall and Butler. Paige Bueckers shone with 46 points and 15 assists, while Caroline Ducharme made a brief return to action. As the season progresses, Ducharme’s playing time may increase.

Next seven days: vs. Creighton (Feb. 27), vs. Marquette (March 2)

6. South Carolina Gamecocks (25-3)

Previous ranking: 6

After their loss to UConn, South Carolina rebounded with emphatic victories over Arkansas and Vanderbilt. The Gamecocks’ strong defense and rebounding prowess were on full display. With two games remaining, South Carolina aims to secure at least a share of the SEC title alongside Texas.

Next seven days: @ Ole Miss (Feb. 27), vs. Kentucky (March 2)

7. LSU Tigers (25-2)

Previous ranking: 7

LSU is in a strong position heading into the final week of the regular season, with only losses to projected No. 1 seeds South Carolina and Texas. Last week, they secured a win at Georgia and overcame a tough challenge at Kentucky. The Tigers’ success will hinge on the performances of Flau’Jae Johnson, Mikaylah Williams, and Aneesah Morrow.

Next seven days: @ Alabama (Feb. 27), vs. Ole Miss (March 2)

8. North Carolina Tar Heels (25-4)

Previous ranking: 9

North Carolina secured a 10-point victory at Syracuse, but their most significant triumph came against Louisville. Despite trailing for much of the game, the Tar Heels rallied in the fourth quarter for a 79-75 win. With Alyssa Ustby sidelined, freshman Lanie Grant stepped up with a season-high 19 points. The Tar Heels will face Duke in a rematch on Thursday.

Next seven days: @ Duke (Feb. 27), vs. Virginia (March 2)

9. NC State Wolfpack (22-5)

Previous ranking: 10

NC State’s guard play was exceptional against Notre Dame, with Zoe Brooks leading the way with 33 points. The Wolfpack also secured a win at Georgia Tech, with Brooks contributing 17 points. With only one loss in their past 12 games, NC State appears ready for the postseason.

Next seven days: vs. Wake Forest (Feb. 27), @ SMU (March 2)

10. TCU Horned Frogs (26-3)

Previous ranking: 12

TCU secured a decisive 71-50 victory over West Virginia, with Hailey Van Lith leading the charge with 26 points and six assists. The Horned Frogs’ regular-season finale against Baylor will likely determine the Big 12 regular-season champion.

Next seven days: vs. Houston (Feb. 26), @ Baylor (March 2)

11. Oklahoma Sooners (21-6)

Previous ranking: 15

Oklahoma showcased their high-scoring prowess in wins against Vanderbilt and Arkansas, with Raegan Beers delivering standout performances. The Sooners are tied for fifth place in the SEC, but a fourth-place finish and a double bye in the SEC tournament remain within reach.

Next seven days: @ Florida (Feb. 27), vs. Alabama (March 2)

12. Ohio State Buckeyes (23-4)

Previous ranking: 8

Ohio State has faced challenges in recent games, with two overtime wins and a loss to Indiana. However, a dominant 52-point victory over Purdue may have restored their confidence. The Buckeyes will need to maintain their momentum as they conclude the regular season against two ranked teams.

Next seven days: vs. Michigan State (Feb. 26), @ Maryland (March 2)

13. Kentucky Wildcats (21-5)

Previous ranking: 11

Kentucky faced a challenging schedule in the final weeks of the regular season, securing a win at Missouri but falling to LSU. With a 10-4 SEC record, the Wildcats remain in fourth place but may need to defeat two higher-ranked teams to maintain their position.

Next seven days: vs. Tennessee (Feb. 27), @ South Carolina (March 2)

14. Tennessee Lady Volunteers (21-6)

Previous ranking: 16

The Lady Vols have won six of their past seven games and have the opportunity to finish 10-6 in SEC play. Under Kim Caldwell’s leadership, Tennessee has had a strong debut season, including a notable nonconference win over UConn. Despite the challenges, the Lady Vols remain competitive in the SEC.

Next seven days: @ Kentucky (Feb. 27), vs. Georgia (March 2)

15. Baylor Bears (25-5)

Previous ranking: NR

Baylor boasts six players averaging double figures in points, led by Darianna Littlepage-Buggs. Aaronette Vonleh, a transfer from Colorado, has been a significant contributor this season. Baylor’s rebounding prowess could be a key factor in their quest for the Big 12 title against TCU.

Next seven days: vs. TCU (March 2)

16. Duke Blue Devils (21-7)

Previous ranking: 13

Duke retained their spot in the Power Rankings despite a loss to Louisville. They rebounded with a convincing win against Syracuse. Tied for fourth place in the ACC, Duke concludes the regular season with matchups against North Carolina and Florida State.

Next seven days: vs. North Carolina (Feb. 27), @ Florida State (March 2)

Fell out: Kansas State Wildcats