Friday’s First Round March Madness action will feature two teams from the Magnolia State. #8 Mississippi State begins the day’s action tipping off against #9 Baylor Friday morning at 10:15a.m. from Raleigh, NC. #6 Ole Miss will take on #11 North Carolina at 3:05p.m. from Milwaukee.
10:15a.m. #9 Baylor vs. #8 Mississippi State (CBS) Raleigh, NC–Lenovo Center
Mississippi State (21-12) enters the game as a slight favorite, boasting a high-scoring offense led by sophomore guard Josh Hubbard, who averages 18.7 points per game. The Bulldogs have had success against top teams this season, with notable wins over Ole Miss, Pittsburgh, and Texas A&M. However, their defense has been inconsistent, ranking 12th in the SEC.
Baylor (19-14), on the other hand, has had a streaky season under head coach Scott Drew. The Bears are led by standout players like Norchad Omier and VJ Edgecombe, who have been key contributors on both ends of the court. Baylor’s zone defense could pose challenges for Mississippi State, especially given the Bulldogs’ struggles against similar setups in the past.
Prediction: Mississippi State
3:05p.m. #11 North Carolina vs. #6 Ole Miss (TNT) Milwaukee, WI — Fiserv Forum
North Carolina (23-13), the No. 11 seed, enters the tournament after a dominant 95-68 victory over San Diego State in the First Four. Led by RJ Davis, who scored 26 points in that game, the Tar Heels rely heavily on their perimeter shooting. They are 21-5 this season when making at least 30% of their three-point attempts.
Ole Miss (22-11), the No. 6 seed, has had a strong season under head coach Chris Beard. Senior guard Sean Pedulla is a key player for the Rebels, averaging 14.9 points per game. Ole Miss’s defense will be crucial in this matchup, as they look to contain North Carolina’s high-scoring offense
Prediction: Ole Miss
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