TULSA, Okla. (AP) - No. 3 seed Baylor (25-7) vs. No. 14 seed New Mexico State (28-5)
First round, East Region; Tulsa, Okla.; 12:40 p.m. EDT.
BOTTOM LINE: Baylor was ranked No. 1 in the nation earlier in the season, but the Bears have lost six of 11 heading into the tournament. Baylor is motivated to have a stronger showing after their upset loss to Yale in the first round last year. New Mexico State lost 58-56 to No. 2 seed St. Mary’s in the NCAA first round last year.
BIG MAN: Baylor’s Johnathan Motley averaged 17.3 points and 9.9 rebounds per game this season and was named All-Big 12.
TEMPO CONTROL: The Aggies pushed the pace this season and averaged 78.9 points per game. Baylor grinds it out a bit more - the Bears allowed just 62.7 points per game.
SHOT MAKER BAKER: New Mexico State’s top scorer is Ian Baker, a guard who averages 16.6 points and 4.1 assists.
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