- Baylor freshman V.J. Edgecombe scores 12 second-half points
- Mississippi State's 13-year NCAA win drought continues
- Bears face potential Duke showdown with Final Four implications
In a tense March Madness opener, Baylor demonstrated why tournament experience matters most. The Bears nearly squandered an 11-point second-half advantage before relying on their star freshman's composure at the foul line. Edgecombe's transformation from quiet first half to clutch closer underscored why NBA scouts project him as a top-15 draft pick.
Baylor's victory exemplifies the Big 12 Conference's reputation for preparing teams for high-pressure situations. Six of Baylor's last ten regular-season contests were decided by single digits, including three overtime battles. This seasoning showed when Mississippi State trimmed the deficit to one point with 29 seconds remaining. We've been bloodied in conference play,said center Norchad Omier. That steeliness translates to March.
Three critical factors decided this matchup:
- Second-chance points: Baylor converted 9 offensive rebounds into 14 points
- Transition defense: Bulldogs scored only 4 fastbreak points
- Free throw disparity: Bears attempted 22 foul shots vs. Mississippi State's 13
Regional Insight: Texas programs now hold a 12-3 record in first-round NCAA games since 2018. Baylor's win continues the state's dominance despite no Final Four appearances from Texas teams during this span.
NBA Draft Implications: Edgecombe's performance against physical SEC competition addressed concerns about his perimeter shooting. While going 0-3 from beyond the arc, the Bahamas native compensated with explosive drives and lockdown defense on Mississippi State's leading scorer during critical possessions.
Coaching Dynamics: Scott Drew's decision not to foul up three points with 9 seconds remaining sparked debate. The strategy nearly backfired when Omier missed a late free throw, but Baylor's staff trusted their scouting report indicating Mississippi State ranked 327th nationally in last-second 3-point attempts.
Looking Ahead: A potential Baylor-Duke matchup would feature compelling narratives, including former Blue Devil Jeremy Roach facing his old team. The Bears' ability to contain Duke's perimeter shooting (38.5% 3PT) could determine if they reach their fourth Sweet Sixteen since 2017.