In an exhilarating game that will be remembered by fans, the No. 9-seeded Baylor Bears emerged victorious over the No. 8-seeded Mississippi State Bulldogs with a close score of 75-72 in the first round of the NCAA tournament on March 21, 2025. This win marks the fifth consecutive season that Baylor has successfully opened the tournament with a victory.
The game unfolded dramatically at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, where the Bears managed to fend off a late charge from the Bulldogs. Baylor held an impressive lead of 11 points in the second half, but tensions rose as Mississippi State worked to close the gap.
Senior guard Robert Wright was pivotal in Baylor's success, scoring 19 points and showcasing impressive skill in the clutch moments, including a crucial left-handed layup that put Baylor ahead 37-32 at halftime. Freshman V.J. Edgecombe contributed significantly, finishing the game with 16 points and five rebounds. The duo's performance was complemented by Langston Love, who added 15 points and Norchad Omier, who recorded 12 points alongside nine rebounds.
With the game in its final seconds, the atmosphere was electric. Mississippi State, desperately trying to claw back into contention, saw a glimmer of hope when KeShawn Murphy narrowed Baylor's lead, scoring with just 29 seconds on the clock, making it a 75-72 game. The Bulldogs fouled Edgecombe, sending him to the free-throw line. He successfully made both shots, helping his team maintain the lead.
Despite the pressure, the Bulldogs had an opportunity to tie the game when Claudell Harris Jr. took a three-point shot with 1.1 seconds remaining. The shot rebounded wildly, and as a last attempt, Mississippi State’s Josh Hubbard, who led all scorers with 26 points, had a chance for a buzzer-beater. However, his 3-pointer at the buzzer fell short, sealing the win for Baylor.
Throughout the matchup, Baylor's solid teamwork was evident. The Bears managed to out-rebound their opponents by a margin of six (32-26) and notably won the turnover battle, committing only 14 turnovers to Mississippi State’s nine. This strategic play was instrumental in their victory.
However, concerns loom regarding Baylor's shooting performance. The Bears struggled from beyond the arc, making only six of their 25 attempts (a mere 24%). This inefficiency could pose challenges in their upcoming matches, particularly against stronger teams.
Head Coach Scott Drew shared his thoughts on the game, emphasizing the importance of future improvements. “We need to be more consistent,” Drew stated, reflecting on how the team almost let go of a solid lead. “We said at the half that they’d make a run. We just have to execute,” he added, highlighting the need for sharper execution during pressure moments.
Following this thrilling win, Baylor anticipates facing the winner of the upcoming matchup between Duke and Mount St. Mary’s on Sunday, March 23. The outcome of that game will be pivotal for Baylor as they strive to advance further in this year’s NCAA tournament.
As the Baylor Bears continue their journey in March Madness, the stakes are higher than ever. Fans will be watching closely to see if they can overcome their shooting challenges and build on their newfound momentum after this hard-fought victory.
