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Baylor Aims to Exploit Experience Edge vs. Mississippi State
RALEIGH, N.C. — Ninth-seeded Baylor is banking on its wealth of postseason experience to make a difference when it takes on No. 8 seed Mississippi State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament’s East Region on Friday.
Baylor’s Battle-Tested Roster
The Bears (19-14) enter the tournament for a program-record sixth straight time, and while they have struggled down the stretch, dropping four of their last seven games, their close-game experience could be an asset in March Madness.
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“The reality is, in postseason, you’re probably going to be in close games. And the more you’re in those games in the regular season, the more coaches know what to do, what not to do.” — Scott Drew
Baylor is led by Norchad Omier, a transfer from Miami who played in last year’s Final Four. Omier is the team’s top scorer (15.9 ppg) and rebounder (10.9 rpg). Jeremy Roach, who transferred from Duke, brings Elite Eight and Final Four experience, adding another veteran presence in critical moments.
Big 12 Freshman of the Year VJ Edgecombe provides a spark in the backcourt, while guard Langston Love is expected to return from an ankle injury that sidelined him in the Big 12 Tournament.
Mississippi State Seeking Breakthrough
Mississippi State (21-12) is making its third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance under Chris Jans but has yet to make a deep run. The Bulldogs have struggled down the stretch, losing three of their last four games, with their only wins in the past month coming against LSU.
“Now we’ve just got to win some games. We want to stay longer.” — Chris Jans
Josh Hubbard leads Mississippi State with 18.7 points per game and provides a dynamic scoring threat. He scored a team-high 15 points in last year’s first-round loss to Michigan State, also played in North Carolina. The Bulldogs will also rely on Claudell Harris Jr., who is making his NCAA Tournament debut.
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Key Matchup Factors
Both teams have had their struggles, but Baylor’s battle-tested roster could be the difference in a tight contest. Mississippi State’s best chance lies in controlling the tempo and winning the rebounding battle against Omier and Baylor’s physical frontcourt.
For those evaluating March Madness betting insights, this matchup presents a fascinating contrast between experience and a team looking to break through on the big stage.
