Baylor Bears Survive Mississippi State Scare in Thrilling March Madness Opener
The second day of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament exploded with an intensity absent from the previous day’s relatively predictable matchups. In a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer, the ninth-seeded Baylor Bears narrowly escaped an upset bid from the No. 8 Mississippi State Bulldogs, securing a hard-fought 75-72 victory. The contest, a rollercoaster of momentum swings and clutch performances, underscored the unpredictable nature of March Madness and the razor-thin margins that separate triumph from heartbreak.
Baylor appeared to be in control for a significant portion of the game. For the first 30 minutes, their offense hummed with efficiency, and their defense effectively contained Mississippi State’s key players. The Bears built a comfortable lead, extending to as much as 11 points in the second half. Their offensive execution was crisp, featuring a balanced attack that saw multiple players contribute significantly to the scoring effort. Robert O. Wright III spearheaded the Baylor attack, showcasing his scoring prowess with a game-high 21 points. He consistently found openings in the Mississippi State defense, utilizing his quickness and agility to penetrate the paint and knock down mid-range jumpers.
However, the Bulldogs refused to concede, displaying the resilience and determination that defines tournament basketball. Led by Josh Hubbard, who poured in a game-high 26 points, Mississippi State began to chip away at Baylor’s lead. Hubbard’s sharpshooting and aggressive drives ignited a spark in the Bulldogs’ offense, fueling their comeback attempt. With each basket, the momentum shifted, and the tension inside the arena palpably increased.
As the clock ticked down, Mississippi State intensified their defensive pressure, forcing Baylor into turnovers and disrupting their offensive rhythm. The Bulldogs’ relentless effort paid dividends, as they gradually closed the gap, turning a double-digit deficit into a nail-biting affair. With under a minute remaining, the Bulldogs had clawed their way back, cutting the lead to a single point. The atmosphere was electric, with every possession carrying immense weight.
In the frantic final seconds, both teams exchanged crucial baskets, further amplifying the drama. The intensity of the game reached a fever pitch as the clock wound down. Baylor, clinging to a slim lead, found themselves in a precarious position. With 9.3 seconds left, V.J. Edgecombe, the Big 12 freshman of the year, was fouled. The weight of the moment rested squarely on his shoulders as he stepped to the free-throw line. Displaying remarkable composure under pressure, Edgecombe calmly sank both free throws, extending Baylor’s lead to three points.
Mississippi State desperately sought to tie the game. Claudell Harris Jr. launched a contested three-pointer, but the shot fell short, bouncing harmlessly off the rim. The rebound was secured by Baylor, but Norchad Omier was quickly fouled. With a chance to ice the game and seal the victory, Omier stepped to the free-throw line for a 1-and-1 opportunity. However, fate intervened, and Omier’s free throw rimmed out, giving Mississippi State a glimmer of hope.
With a mere 0.5 seconds remaining on the clock, the Bulldogs called a timeout, desperately searching for a way to salvage the game. The coaching staff huddled with the players, strategizing for one final play. They devised a Hail Mary attempt, a long-range pass intended to reach the basket for a game-tying shot.
The inbound pass was launched from beyond half court, soaring through the air towards the basket. The crowd held its breath, watching as the ball descended. However, the prayer was unanswered. The ball clanked off the backboard, securing the victory for Baylor. The Bears erupted in celebration, relieved to have survived the scare and advanced to the next round.
While Wright led the Bears in scoring, Baylor’s success was a testament to their balanced offensive attack. Edgecombe, Langston Love, and Omier all finished in double figures, contributing crucial points throughout the game. Their collective effort proved too much for Mississippi State to overcome.
Despite Hubbard’s stellar performance, the Bulldogs were unable to contain Baylor’s offensive firepower. While Hubbard demonstrated his exceptional scoring ability, his teammates struggled to match his output consistently. Ultimately, the lack of a consistent secondary scorer hampered Mississippi State’s ability to mount a sustained comeback.
Looking ahead, Baylor is likely to face a formidable challenge in the next round, potentially squaring off against Duke, the tournament favorite. The Blue Devils, boasting a roster filled with talented players and a championship pedigree, will present a significant obstacle for the Bears. Baylor will need to elevate their game even further if they hope to compete with Duke and advance deeper into the tournament.
Baylor’s victory over Mississippi State served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of March Madness. Upsets are commonplace, and no lead is safe. The tournament rewards teams that can withstand pressure, execute in crucial moments, and maintain their composure in the face of adversity. The Bears demonstrated these qualities in their victory, proving that they are a team capable of making a deep run in the tournament.
Prior to their tournament opener, Baylor had experienced a period of inconsistency, losing six of their previous ten games. This losing streak raised concerns about their ability to compete at the highest level. However, their victory over Mississippi State provided a much-needed boost of confidence and reaffirmed their belief in their capabilities. The Bears will look to build upon this momentum as they progress through the tournament.
The Associated Press contributed to the report, providing valuable insights and information. Fox News Digital’s sports coverage can be found on X, and fans can subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter for the latest updates and analysis.
