Norfolk State vs Baylor 3/17/22 - College Basketball Picks & Predictions

The Norfolk State Spartans made it into the NCAA tournament as a 16 seed and will open the east region bracket Thursday afternoon against the number one seed Baylor Bears. Norfolk State finished the regular season on a six game win streak after winning the MEAC tournament. Offensively Norfolk State shot the ball well making 48% of their shots and 47.8% from beyond the arc to score 72 points leading to the conference title.

Joe Bryant Jr. led the way for Norfolk State with 23 points on seven of 14 shooting in 39 minutes on the floor. Jalen Hawkins chipped in 17 points and Dana Tate scored 13 points to go along with eight rebounds as the third player in double figures. 

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The Baylor Bears are back in the NCAA tournament as a number one seed this season looking to defend their title. Baylor had a five game win streak end last Thursday after a five point loss to Oklahoma. Defensively Baylor had issues as Oklahoma made 51% of their shots and 52.5% from beyond the arc to score 72 points in the game including 45 in the second half to erase A6 point Baylor halftime lead.

James Akinjo leads the Baylor offense averaging 13.4 points per game to go along with a team leading 5.7 assists. Adam Flagler scores 13.4 points as well on 43.8% shooting and Kendall Brown chips in 10 points as the third bear in double figures.