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Flatlined. Dead. Buried.

Just eight weeks ago, Baylor was trapped in an enormous self-dug hole with little hope of seeing light. At 3-8 in Big 12 play, including a pair of losses to Kansas and Oklahoma, the Bears resembled a group of bumbling Yogis not the projected grizzly sloth most expected in October.

Widely perceived to be a stiff challenger to favorites Kansas, Oklahoma St. and Iowa St. preseason, they roared out to a 12-1 start in non-conference action. Key wins against Colorado, then with leading-scorer Spencer Dinwiddie, Dayton and Kentucky, fueled a top-15 national ranking and elevated expectations around Waco. However, their ghastly record at the midpoint of the Big 12 season quickly humbled them. Jumpers clanged. Defense waned. Turnovers mounted. Losing became an all too familiar feeling.

But winning, naturally, cured everything.

The resurrection began in a spectacular stroke of team-wide brilliance. In a hard-fought battle against visiting Kansas St., the Bears, incredibly hungry and with their backs pressed to the wall, held off the Wildcats at Ferrell Center 87-73 in double overtime. Point guard Kenny Cherry messed around and logged a triple-double. Meanwhile, Isaiah Austin and Cory Jefferson pounded the paint, totaling 39 points and 18 rebounds.

Tide, turned.

From that point on, Baylor played with consistent energy, passion and determination, regaining its early season form. Over its final six regular season conference games, the Bears slowly, methodically climbed the mountain. Triumphs over Oklahoma St., Iowa St. and a sweep of Kansas St., propelled them to a 5-1 record during that stretch, a hot streak that unbelievably carried them back to even (9-9) in the Big 12.

Capped by a strong showing in the Big 12 tournament – they shredded nets to the tune of 1.276 points per possession – Scott Drew's club is soaring. It's protected the basketball, made the extra pass, ratcheted up its zone D, generated numerous second-chance opportunities and morphed into one of the most prolific offensive forces in the country. Over their past 11 games, the Bears rank top-three nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency. Continue to breathe fire, and a deep run in the Big Dance is inevitable.

Naysayers will contend Drew's alleged sketchy coaching skills are bound to cripple Baylor, a groupthink mentality steeped in ignorance. After all, he resurfaced a program once at the bottom of the deepest, darkest abyss. Recall he took the job in 2003 when the Bears were dealing with harsh sanctions, punishment stemming from a player-on-player murder, lies that followed and uncovered financial improprieties tied to ex-head coach Dave Bliss. Since then, he's repaired the school's image, brought in top-flight talent and won a ton of games (24 per year from 2008-2014), many in the postseason. The Final Four has remained elusive, but Baylor reached the Elite Eight in 2010 and 2012, losing both contests to eventual national champions.

A similar run could be in the offing this year.

Given its extreme length – Rico Gathers, Jefferson and Austin, all 6-foot-8-plus, comprise an intimidating front line – above average depth and Brady Heslip's ability to plunge daggers from distance (45.6 3PT%), it's a scary No. 6 seed in a wide open West region that could finally get over the hump, potentially flirting with its first Final Four appearance in 64 years.

Entering the dance, the Bears, once left for dead, are very much alive and kicking.

BRACKET FLAMES

Here are five additional underdogs (No. 7 seeds or lower) that could channel Cinderella:

Providence Friars (23-11, No.11-East)

Doing a jig for the first time in 20 years, Providence, a surprise sensation down the stretch, guaranteed its spot in the dance with an inspired win over sharpshooting Creighton. Almost impossibly, the Friars limited Doug McDermott and company to just 17 first-half points, their lowest output of the season. How did they do it? According to Ed Cooley, with a little bit of "crazy." Providence's deployed zone, an unthinkable defensive scheme versus a squad loaded with perimeter scorers. It's that kind of risk-taking combined with its well-rounded production that could propel it past North Carolina. The best free-throw shooting team in the field, they brutalize foes by drawing contact and cashing in. Bryce Cotton, a sensational distributor and scorer, is one of the premier point guards in the country. His leadership skills and clutch play in critical stretches should shine brightly on the big stage. Combine that with an above average defense, and the Friars could pull the rug out from under Carolina in Round 1. Watch out.

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