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Baylor Basketball Aims for Late-Season Surge to Reach NCAA Tournament
Head coach Scott Drew remains focused on winning the next game and controlling their own destiny despite a disappointing 13-13 start.
Feb. 21, 2026 at 2:52pm
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Baylor basketball has struggled mightily this season, winning just 2 of their last 10 games and coming off a 19-turnover loss to Kansas State. Head coach Scott Drew acknowledged the team's poor play but remains focused on finishing the season strong and earning an NCAA Tournament bid, either through the regular season or the Big 12 Tournament. Drew said the team is not thinking about surrendering their postseason aspirations, and instead is focused on winning their remaining 5 regular season games against quality Big 12 opponents.
Why it matters
Baylor has been a consistent NCAA Tournament team in recent years, making the Big Dance every season since 2017-18. A missed tournament appearance would be a major disappointment for the program, especially given the high expectations after winning the national championship in 2021. Drew is determined to get the team back on track and prove they can still make a late-season surge to secure their spot in the NCAA Tournament.
The details
Baylor's 13-13 record has them just one game ahead of both Kansas State and Utah in the Big 12 standings. The team's struggles have been highlighted by a 19-turnover performance in their recent loss to Kansas State, which Drew called "unacceptable" at Baylor's level of play. However, Drew remains confident the team can turn things around, noting they have 5 regular season games left against quality Big 12 opponents that provide opportunities to improve their resume for postseason consideration.
- Baylor has won just 2 of their last 10 games.
- Baylor lost to Kansas State on February 18, 2026 with 19 turnovers.
- Baylor has 5 regular season games remaining before the Big 12 Tournament.
The players
Scott Drew
The head coach of the Baylor Bears basketball team, who is determined to guide the team to the NCAA Tournament despite their disappointing 13-13 start to the season.
What they’re saying
“Yeah, we have a goal, we know [what] it would take to get to the tournament. And obviously, we've continued to modify or adjust that based on where our record or where we're at currently. But I think the biggest thing is, for us, it's always how can we be ready and improve and be able to compete at a level that gives us a chance to win the next game.”
— Scott Drew, Head Coach
“We were not pleased at all how the game at Kansas State went. I'd be surprised if we played like that again the rest of the year. And that's no knock on Kansas State and what they did and how they played. But 19 turnovers at our level is unacceptable.”
— Scott Drew, Head Coach
What’s next
Baylor's next game is on Saturday against Arizona State, as the team looks to start a late-season surge to secure their spot in the NCAA Tournament.
The takeaway
Despite Baylor's disappointing 13-13 start, head coach Scott Drew remains determined to guide the team to the NCAA Tournament through strong finishes in their remaining regular season games and the Big 12 Tournament. The team's focus is on winning the next game and controlling their own destiny, rather than surrendering their postseason aspirations.
