Freshman guard Robert Wright III made a bold statement in his NCAA Tournament debut, delivering a stellar 19-point performance that helped Baylor edge past Mississippi State 75–72. The game was tightly contested from the start, with both teams trading baskets and defensive stops, but Wright’s poise under pressure set him apart. He shot 7-of-13 from the field, including three three-pointers, and added four assists and three rebounds in 32 minutes of action. His ability to control the tempo and make critical plays in clutch moments was instrumental to the Bears’ success.
With the game tied late in the second half, Wright hit a pivotal jumper to give Baylor the lead, then followed up with a strong defensive effort that forced a key turnover. His confidence and energy galvanized the team, showing maturity beyond his years. Head Coach Scott Drew praised Wright’s performance, calling it “one of the most impressive freshman debuts we’ve seen in a while.” Wright’s breakout performance now has Baylor fans buzzing as the Bears prepare to face No. 1 seed Duke in the next round. For a team looking to make a deep run, Robert Wright III might just be the spark they need.