Wednesday tip-off: Kansas visits Baylor in Big 12 clash

Setting up the day in college basketball:

Best bet: Kansas is one of those schools at which any basketball season that does not conclude with a deep run in March — if not April — is not well-received by its devoted fans. Whether this season will fall into the successful category for the 13th-ranked Jayhawks remains to be seen, but their trek through the rugged Big 12 will certainly test their mettle. That league slate begins tonight for KU on the road at No. 22 Baylor (9 p.m. ET, ESPNU).

The Jayhawks' pre-conference schedule had plenty of challenges, most of which the Jayhawks passed in close fashion. But the two games KU lost were not close. The one to No. 1 Kentucky was understandable; the Wildcats have done that to just about everybody they've faced. But the other, a 25-point debacle at Temple, was an indicator that there's still worked to be done as the Jayhawks look for offensive cohesion.

But now comes the bad news for the Baylor Bears. Kansas got a bit of a break following that trip to Temple and has regained its defensive energy in its two victories since. Baylor for its part already has a Big 12 loss thanks to Saturday's setback at Oklahoma in which the Bears shot only 37.3% from the field. Baylor's scoring output is normally quite balanced with Taurean Prince (12 ppg) leading a group of five averaging at least eight points per outing. They'll need contributions from everyone to overcome the Jayhawks.

Number of the day:33.3. Speaking of defense, one need not look far to see how No. 3 Virginia is among the last members of the unbeaten club. The Cavaliers are holding opposing shooters to a stingy 33.3% from the field, second only to Kentucky in field-goal defense. North Carolina State will try to solve Virginia in Charlottesville (7 p.m. ET, ESPN2).

Days until Selection Sunday: 67.