Postgame Podcast & Thoughts: Baylor 75, Mississippi State 72

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No. 9-seeded Baylor (20-14) outlasted No. 8-seeded Mississippi State (21-13), 75-72, in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Baylor awaits the winner of the Duke versus Mount Saint Mary's game for a Sunday match-up to advance to the Sweet 16.  

Positives

• The team did great on the glass (32-26, 15 offensive rebounds) and won the turnover battle (14-9). Norchad Omier (5Sr.) gave us what we have come to expect with 12 points and nine rebounds, but how about Jalen Celestine (Sr.) grabbing nine rebounds?  
• The freshmen stepped up and made plays. Rob Wright (19 points) and VJ Edgecombe (16 points, five rebounds) gave us great performances in their first NCAA tournament games.  
• Langston Love still has limited mobility, but he was such a key guy for us today. Fifteen points on 11 shots, three rebounds and a few steals. Excellent performance by him.  
• Keep stacking wins!  

Concerns

• It is what it is at this point, but it seems like Baylor is capable of being a much better 3-point shooting team. The Bears are missing wide-open looks, 6-25 (24%). It is a miracle Baylor won that game by shooting that poorly from beyond the arc.  
• We struggle to finish teams off. Baylor was up 60-49 at the eight-minute mark. With guard play and offensive firepower, the Bears should be able to close out games with that kind of lead without the unnecessary drama.  

Great win. On to Sunday!