In a nail-biting NCAA Tournament showdown, Baylor edged past Mississippi State 75-72, thanks to V.J. Edgecombe's clutch free throws, proving once again that pressure makes diamonds—and, occasionally, free throw shooters.

Baylor's triumphant victory over Mississippi State not only secured their spot in the tournament but also highlighted a wild second half filled with comebacks, nail-biting moments, and, of course, 9.3 seconds of ultimate free throw drama, courtesy of Edgecombe. With a game-high 26 points from Mississippi State's Josh Hubbard and plenty of questionable shot attempts, Baylor avenged their pre-tournament struggles and showcased their knack for winning when it counts—much to the chagrin of any heart health professionals watching.

The first half of the game resembled a ping-pong match more than a basketball game, with seven lead changes and six ties. Fans were treated to a dizzying display of basketball, one that left the scoreboard operator reprogramming their device's math capabilities after every shot.

Baylor took a significant lead midway through the second half, creating a comfortable 60-49 cushion with just over eight minutes remaining. At this point, it looked like Baylor might take a leisurely stroll to victory, but alas, it wasn’t to be. The bulldogs of Mississippi State, presumably fueled by either sheer determination or a secret stash of energy drinks, clawed their way back, turning a comfortable lead into a textbook example of how happy a fast-paced game can make the heart rate monitor rebel.

Mississippi State unleashed a furious 21-11 run that sent shivers down the spines of any loyal Baylor fans present. This sudden jolt brought the score tantalizingly close at 71-70, leaving everyone on the edge of their seats—or, for the really anxious fans, the edge of their popcorn.

With just 9.3 seconds on the clock, as the tension reached a boiling point, Edgecombe stepped up to the line. With the weight of the game resting squarely on his shoulders, he sank two decisive free throws, stretching Baylor's lead back to a more comfortable 75-72. "I just focused on my routine; I couldn't let my nerves get the better of me," Edgecombe later stated, perhaps in an effort to convince himself of that very thing, amidst the roaring cheers of his team.

Despite the drama of the last moments, Mississippi State had their chance to even the score, but their hopes were squandered when Claudell Harris Jr. launched a 3-point attempt that soared as majestically as a bird in flight—only to come crashing back to the earth as it clanked off the rim. Harris finished the game with a score befitting of his attempt, which might explain his expression immediately following that crucial shot.

Looking at the stats, Baylor's offense was a well-balanced feast, led by Robert O. Wright III with 21 points, flanked by Edgecombe's 16, Langston Love's 15, and Norchad Omier's 12—an ensemble cast worth their weight in basketball wisdom. This collective effort bore testament to the fact that teamwork makes the dream work, even if that dream includes sweaty jerseys and the smell of nacho cheese in the air.

Baylor also excelled in rebounding, reflecting a commitment to securing possessions—out-rebounding Mississippi State 32 to 26, with a notable 15 offensive rebounds to 7. Perhaps there’s a direct correlation between aggressive rebounding and their thirst for victory. Coach Scott Drew certainly thinks so, lauding Edgecombe for his multifaceted contributions, noting that, 'V.J. not only filled the score sheet but also made his presence known on both ends of the court.' One might wonder if Drew just meant V.J. was wearing a really bright uniform.

Although both teams suffered lackluster performances leading up to this highly anticipated match, Baylor's win allowed them to turn previous losses into mere footnotes in their history. For the players, the taste of triumph probably felt like fine dining at a five-star restaurant after weeks of fast food. For once, it seemed their hard work and myriad strategies paid off, instead of simply leading to more questions than answers.

As the game wound down and both teams prepared to shake hands, the drama, the excitement, and the occasional gasp from the sidelines signaled a tournament run to remember. Baylor secured a hard-fought victory over Mississippi State with a final score of 75-72. The game featured seven lead changes and six ties in the first half, highlighting the competitive spirit of both teams. With 8:11 remaining, Baylor had a 60-49 lead, but Mississippi State closed the gap with a 21-11 run, making it 71-70. V.J. Edgecombe made two decisive free throws with 9.3 seconds left, extending Baylor's lead to 75-72. Mississippi State had a chance to tie the game in the final seconds, but a 3-point attempt from Claudell Harris Jr. failed. Despite the odds, both teams will enter the locker rooms, heads held high, to analyze what went wrong and what went just right enough to stay alive in the big dance of March Madness.