No. 9 seed Baylor and No. 8 seed Mississippi State had a battle every bit as even as their respective seedings would suggest. The Bears took a hard-fought 75-72 win and will move on for a second-round battle, likely against top-seed Duke.
Baylor vs. Mississippi State Box Score
Baylor
Mississippi State
Baylor vs. Mississippi State Game Summary
The game was competitive throughout. After a back-and-forth battle, Mississippi State had grabbed a 30-29 lead on a Riley Kugel dunk with 4:26 to play in the first half. But Baylor went on an 8-2 run to end the half and take a 37-32 lead to the locker room. Robert Wright III and VJ Edgecombe each scored four points in that run.
In the second half, Baylor extended its margin, taking a 60-49 lead on a Norchad Omeir free throw with 8:10 to play. Mississippi State pulled within 71-70 on three Claudell Harris Jr. free throws with 1:20 to play.
The two teams traded points and a pair of VJ Edgecombe free throws set up a 3-point shot for Mississippi State to tie. But Claudell Harris Jr.’s attempt missed badly and Baylor ran out the clock.
Baylor was led by 19 points from Robert Wright III. VJ Edgecombe had 16 points and five rebounds. Langston Love added 15 points and three steals. Norchad Omeir totaled 12 points and nine boards.
Mississippi State was paced by 26 points, including four 3-pointers, for Josh Hubbard. Claudell Harris Jr. added 13 points. Riley Kugel chipped in 11 points, including three 3-pointers. Keshawn Murphy had 10 points for the Bulldogs.
Baylor will now face the winner of top-seed Duke and Mount St. Mary’s on Sunday for a spot in the Sweet 16.
Dawn Staley, Geno Auriemma, or Kim Mulkey – who is NCAAW’s highest-paid coach? Find out here
Edited by Joe Cox
