Edgecombe’s Tournament Debut: A Symphony of Near Misses and Clutch Moments
RALEIGH, N.C. – V.J. Edgecombe, Baylor’s electrifying freshman wing and a projected lottery pick in the upcoming NBA draft, provided a glimpse of his dazzling potential and unflinching composure in his NCAA Tournament debut. While his highlight-reel dunks are already the stuff of legend, it was a missed dunk and a pair of crucial free throws that ultimately defined his performance in Baylor’s hard-fought 75-72 victory over Mississippi State, propelling the Bears into the second round of the men’s NCAA Tournament.
Edgecombe’s reputation precedes him. Standing at 6-foot-4 with explosive athleticism, he possesses the uncanny ability to elevate above the rim with astonishing speed and finish with undeniable power. "He’s a human highlight reel,” Baylor junior Langston Love aptly declared. "He’s something special.” This assessment isn’t hyperbole; Edgecombe’s game is punctuated by moments of breathtaking athleticism, moments that leave spectators awestruck and opponents struggling to keep pace.
However, it was a moment of unfulfilled brilliance that became one of the most talked-about plays of the game. In the second half, with Baylor battling to maintain their lead, Edgecombe secured a rebound on the defensive end. He then embarked on a dazzling solo run, weaving through two Mississippi State defenders with six quick dribbles, culminating in a gravity-defying leap from just inside the free throw line. As he soared towards the basket, he transitioned the ball from his left to his right hand, preparing for a spectacular windmill dunk.
But the ball ricocheted off the rim with such force that it remained airborne for what seemed like an eternity, traveling nearly the entire length of the court before landing. The crowd collectively gasped, a mixture of disbelief and disappointment washing over the arena.
Edgecombe himself was visibly frustrated. “I haven’t seen it yet,” he admitted in the Baylor locker room, shaking his head. “I’m probably gonna see it eventually, but man, I was so mad.” Had he connected, it would have undoubtedly been the signature athletic play of the entire NCAA Tournament to that point. Instead, it will be remembered as one of the most spectacular missed dunks imaginable, a testament to his ambition and athleticism, but also a reminder that even the most gifted athletes are not immune to imperfection.
Despite the missed dunk, Edgecombe remained undeterred, showcasing the resilience that belies his freshman status. “It’s just how I play,” he explained, referring to his audacious attempt. “I like to play with passion, and I know how to get my team going.” This unwavering commitment to playing with energy and intensity is a hallmark of Edgecombe’s game, injecting a palpable sense of excitement into every possession.
Edgecombe finished the game with 16 points, a solid contribution in his first taste of NCAA Tournament action. However, he wasn’t the only Baylor freshman to shine against the Bulldogs. Point guard Rob Wright proved to be a steadying force, leading the team with 19 points on 8-of-16 shooting. Wright’s offensive prowess was particularly crucial in the early stages of the game, as Edgecombe struggled to find his rhythm.
Edgecombe acknowledged his early struggles, admitting, “I had a few wide open shots. I missed them, but I tried to do something else. If I couldn’t score, I just tried rebounding and defending and tried to make the game hard for (Mississippi State guard Josh Hubbard), who’s a really great player. And it was hard, I’ll be honest. He’s hard to stop.” This willingness to adapt and contribute in other areas, even when his shots weren’t falling, speaks volumes about Edgecombe’s maturity and team-first mentality.
As the game progressed, Edgecombe found his footing and began to assert his dominance. Down the stretch, with Baylor clinging to a narrow lead, he frequently found himself with the ball in his hands, utilizing his exceptional athleticism to penetrate the Mississippi State defense and create scoring opportunities.
With just a minute remaining and Baylor leading 71-70, Edgecombe appeared to have made a crucial play, exploding towards the rim with his left hand and finishing strong while being fouled. The baseline official immediately signaled an and-one, but the sideline referee overruled the call, deeming the foul to be on the floor. Because Baylor wasn’t in the bonus, Edgecombe received no points, and the Bears were left empty-handed.
Edgecombe expressed his confusion after the game. “It was a big play in the game,” he said. “I thought I was on the way up. I only took one dribble, so I thought I was in motion to get an and-one, but they took it away. But the game continued and we got the (win). So that’s all that really mattered.” His ability to quickly put the controversial call behind him and focus on the task at hand is a testament to his mental toughness.
The game ultimately came down to free throws. With 9.3 seconds left and Baylor desperately clinging to a slim lead, Edgecombe found himself at the free throw line in a high-pressure situation. A missed free throw would have given Mississippi State a golden opportunity to potentially tie or win the game.
But Edgecombe remained composed, displaying the poise of a seasoned veteran. He calmly sank both free throws, extending Baylor’s lead and ultimately securing the victory.
“We’ve been in situations like that where we lost one-possession games,” Edgecombe said. “So now we know how to approach the game, how to adjust down the stretch and execute. I’m confident in my work I put in. There was a game where I was like 6-for-11 from the free throw line so I’ve been working on that ever since and I’m confident in my free throws.”
His clutch performance from the free throw line underscored his commitment to improvement and his unwavering belief in his abilities.
Baylor’s victory sets up a tantalizing second-round matchup with No. 1 seed Duke. Edgecombe will undoubtedly face a formidable challenge against the Blue Devils, but he has already demonstrated that he possesses the talent, resilience, and composure to make a significant impact on the tournament. His debut was a memorable blend of breathtaking athleticism, frustrating near misses, and clutch performance under pressure – a fitting introduction to the March Madness stage.
