Waco, Texas ? Baylor has emerged as arguably THE power in the state of Texas and the Big 12 South division.

The No. 3 Bears took yet another huge step in their amazing five-year run from Big 12 Conference doormat to national-title contender with a 63-60 win over No. 7 Texas on Saturday.

Baylor finished last in the Big 12 before coach Kim Mulkey-Roberston took over five years ago in Waco.

The Bears had beaten Texas under Mulkey-Robertson before, but Saturday’s game marked the first time that Baylor was ranked higher than the Longhorns.

Baylor (12-1, 2-0) responded well to the pressure as a record crowd of 10,322 watched the frontcourt duo of Sophia Young and Steffanie Blackmon carry them to the win. Young had 25 points and 15 rebounds, and Blackmon had 19 points.

“Baylor plays with the fight and fire of Kim’s personality,” said Texas coach Jody Conradt. “Everyone that comes here will have to match it.”

Mulkey-Robertson noted the significance of beating Texas and Conradt.

“I’ve played and coached in a lot of arenas and (today) was special,” Mulkey-Robertson said. “What a great game. One game does not make a season, but I sure am glad this one is over.”

No. 12 Texas Tech 76, Oklahoma State 38

Stillwater, Okla. — Chesley Dabbs scored 19 points, and Alesha Robertson added 14 to help No. 12 Texas Tech. The Red Raiders (11-2, 2-0) built a 20-point lead in the first 12 minutes and never trailed.

Nebraska 81, Missouri 74

Columbia, Mo. — Kiera Hardy scored 23 points, helping Nebraska beat Missouri. Jelena Spiric scored 18 points, and Jessica Gearhart had 17 points and a game-high 11 rebounds for Nebraska (10-4, 2-0), which overcame a 30-point effort by Missouri’s Tiffany Brooks. Nebraska closed the game with a 14-1 run.