The NCAA March Madness tournament kicks off today with a thrilling matchup between No. 8 seeded Mississippi State Bulldogs and No. 9 seeded Baylor Bears. Fans across the nation are gearing up for the game, which promises to deliver fast-paced basketball and exciting moments as these teams battle for a chance to advance in the tournament.
The game is set to take place on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 12:15 PM ET at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. Mississippi State enters the tournament with a record of 21-12, while Baylor boasts a slightly lower record of 19-14. Despite the narrow margin, the Bulldogs are considered 1.5-point favorites going into this first-round matchup.
Both teams have had contrasting journeys throughout the season. Mississippi State finished with a 9-11 record against SEC opponents yet excelled with a strong 12-1 showing in non-conference play. Meanwhile, Baylor ended their Big 12 campaign at a balanced 11-11. Notably, the Bulldogs averaged an impressive 79.8 points per game this season, outscoring their opponents by an average of 5.6 points each game.
As for the Bears, they had challenges in their season, finishing 3-4 in games decided by three points or fewer. Even so, Baylor managed to put up respectable numbers as well, averaging 68.4 points per game. Both teams have sharpshooters on their rosters, with Mississippi State's average of 8.4 made three-pointers slightly edging out Baylor's 8.5 made shots per game.
Fans may tune in to watch the action live on CBS or stream the game through FuboTV or Paramount+. FuboTV offers a free trial for new users, making it an attractive option for viewers looking to catch every moment of the tournament without commitment. DirecTV Stream is also offering a free trial, providing various other channels that cover March Madness.
The airwaves are buzzing with anticipation as basketball fans reminisce about past March Madness moments. Mississippi State's star Josh Hubbard has been pivotal for the team, averaging 18.7 points during the season. He is the player to watch against Baylor’s Norchad Omier, who has made headlines for his scoring and rebounding abilities, averaging 15.9 points and 10.9 rebounds per contest.
With the stakes high and the pressure mounting, both teams will be eager to prove themselves in this high-stakes environment. As the first round of March Madness continues, the question looms: which team will emerge victorious to move forward in the NCAA tournament?
This matchup is just one of many exciting games scheduled for this year’s tournament, illustrating the depth of talent and competition that makes March Madness a must-watch event. As the game approaches, fans are urged to check local listings or use streaming services to ensure they won’t miss what promises to be a thrilling showdown.
In summary, the No. 8 Mississippi State Bulldogs face off against the No. 9 Baylor Bears in what is sure to be an exhilarating first-round battle. With game time set for 12:15 PM ET today, and broadcast live on CBS, fans can expect a memorable NCAA tournament experience as these two teams look to make their mark in March Madness.
