Baylor Edges Mississippi State 75-72 in NCAA Tournament Thriller
Baylor advanced to the second round after a late-game rally and clutch free throws secured their narrow victory.
- Robert Wright III led Baylor with 19 points, while V.J. Edgecombe added 16, including two crucial free throws with 9.3 seconds left.
- Mississippi State's Josh Hubbard scored a game-high 26 points, keeping the Bulldogs competitive throughout the contest.
- Baylor held an 11-point second-half lead before Mississippi State mounted a late comeback, cutting the deficit to one point in the final seconds.
- The decisive factor was Baylor's rebounding advantage, out-rebounding Mississippi State 32-26, including 15-7 on the offensive glass.
- Baylor will face either Duke or Mount St. Mary’s in the second round on Sunday, while Mississippi State's season ends without a March Madness win since 2008.