#11 North Carolina 64 vs. #6 Ole Miss 71
Milwaukee, WI — The Rebels dominated the first half, scoring an impressive 44 points while holding North Carolina to just 26. Sean Pedulla and Matthew Murrell were instrumental in Ole Miss’s offensive surge, with Pedulla sinking a crucial three-pointer late in the second half. North Carolina, led by RJ Davis, mounted a spirited comeback in the second half, outscoring Ole Miss 38-27. Despite their efforts, the Tar Heels fell short as Ole Miss maintained their composure and secured the win.
This victory propels Ole Miss into the second round of the tournament, keeping their dreams alive. They will play #3 seed Iowa State on Sunday. For North Carolina, the loss marks the end of their tournament journey, despite a valiant effort to close the gap in the second half. The Rebels’ balanced attack and strong defense proved decisive in this exciting matchup.
#9 Baylor 75 vs. #8 Mississippi State 72
The first half saw Baylor take a slight advantage, leading 37-32 at halftime. The Bears showcased a balanced offensive effort, with key contributions from VJ Edgecombe and Norchad Omier. Mississippi State, led by standout Josh Hubbard, kept the game competitive with his scoring prowess and leadership on the court.
In the second half, Baylor extended their lead to as much as 11 points, but the Bulldogs refused to back down. Mississippi State mounted a late-game surge, trimming the deficit to just one point with under 30 seconds remaining. However, Baylor’s Jayden Nunn sealed the victory with clutch free throws in the final moments. Hubbard finished with an impressive 26 points for the Bulldogs, while Baylor’s teamwork and defensive resilience proved decisive.
This victory advances Baylor to the second round of the tournament where they will face #1 seed Duke. For Mississippi State, the loss marks another early exit from March Madness, despite a valiant effort and a strong performance from their star player.
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