Baylor vs Mississippi State March Madness Picks and Predictions: Bears Favored to Advance
The #8 Mississippi State Bulldogs face the #9 Baylor Bears in a first-round East Region matchup, with Mississippi State currently favored by 1 point. The game tips off at 12:15pm ET from the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, NC, with CBS coverage.
Basketball player in Celtics uniform
Key Betting Information:
- Mississippi State: -1 point spread, -120 moneyline
- Baylor: +100 moneyline underdogs
- Total: 144.5 points
- Public betting: 64% of spread bets on Baylor (78% of money)
Why Baylor Will Win:
- Better Net and offensive rating despite lower seed
- Strong three-point shooting team (top third nationally)
- Four players averaging double-figure scoring
- Excellent offensive rebounding
- NCAA Tournament experience with transfers Jeremy Roach (Duke) and Norchad Omier (Miami)
- VJ Edgecombe: projected top-10 draft pick leading the offense
- Coach Scott Drew: 13-9 ATS record as favorites in March Madness
Mississippi State Weaknesses:
- Lost 5 of last 7 games
- Poor three-point defense (342nd nationally)
- Only shoots 31% from three-point range
- Ranks 237th in opponent effective field goal percentage
- Recent wins only against struggling LSU
Prediction: Baylor moneyline (+100) Baylor's superior offensive firepower and three-point shooting should exploit Mississippi State's weak perimeter defense. While both teams struggled late in the season, Baylor's tournament