Baylor to face Southern California for Sweet 16 berth

By AP
Published

TULSA, Okla. (AP) No. 3 seed Baylor (26-7) vs. No. 11 seed Southern California (26-9)

Second round, East region; Tulsa, Okla.; approximately 6:45 p.m. Central.

BOTTOM LINE: Baylor finally broke through after being upset in its opening game of the NCAA Tournament the previous two years and beat New Mexico State. USC overcame a 17-point deficit in the second half against Providence on Wednesday and a 10-point deficit in the second half against SMU on Friday.

BAYLOR DEFENSE: Baylor has been tough all season with its athletic ability and depth. The Bears shut down New Mexico State in the second half of a 91-73 win on Friday. The Bears outscored the Aggies 53-33 after the break and held them to 37 percent shooting.

TROJANS' ENERGY: USC will be playing its third game in five days. The Trojans left their First Four game on Wednesday, and they arrived in Tulsa about 3:30 a.m. Thursday.

INSIDE/OUTSIDE: Baylor forward Johnathan Motley averages 17.3 points and 9.9 rebounds per game. USC is a perimeter-oriented offensive team that took more 3-pointers than 2s in the first-round win over SMU.

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