Mississippi State looked primed for a late rally after trailing Baylor for the entire second half on Friday.
But Baylor survived a late look at a game-tying 3-point attempt to hold on for a 75-72 win in the first round of the NCAA tournament. The 9th-seed Bears advance to take on the winner between No. 1 seed Duke and No. 16 seed Mount Saint Mary's.
Baylor held a 59-49 lead with 8:39 remaining, but Mississippi chipped away to make it a one-possession game in the final minute. The Bulldogs had a last look a a game-tying free 3-pointer after MSU's VJ Edgecombe hit two free throws to extend the Bulldogs' lead to 75-72.
But Claudell Harris Jr.'s effort from the left wing missed the mark with four seconds remaining, and the Bears held on for the win.
