No. 9 Baylor edges out No. 8 Mississippi State in epic battle that comes down to shot in final second
After some snoozers on Day 1 of March Madness, Day 2 got started with an epic battle.
The ninth-seeded Baylor Bears narrowly squeaked out a victory over No. 8 Mississippi State, 75-72, in a game that came down to the wire.
Baylor coasted for the first 30 minutes of the game, leading by as many as 11 in the second half. But Mississippi State pulled away.
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Baylor Bears forward Norchad Omier (15) reacts during the second half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Lenovo Center. (Zachary Taft-Imagn Images)
With a chance to put the game away with 0.5 seconds left, Baylor went to the free throw line, but missed. That gave the Bulldogs a chance to call a timeout and gear up for a prayer.
With 0.2 seconds left, they launched a Hail Mary from beyond half court that missed, giving Baylor the victory.
Baylor Bears forward Norchad Omier (15) rebounds the ball against Mississippi State Bulldogs forward KeShawn Murphy (3) during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Lenovo Center. (Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
Robert O. Wright III led Baylor with 21 points, while three others (V.J. Edgecombe, Langston Love, and Norchad Omier) also finished in double digits.
Josh Hubbard’s game-high 26 points were not enough for the Bulldogs.
Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Dellquan Warren (6) reacts on the bench during the second half against the Baylor Bears in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Lenovo Center. (Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
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In all likelihood, barring a wild upset from Mount St. Mary’s, the Bears will face Duke, the favorites to win it all.
This is a developing story, check back for more updates…
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