Recap | Box Score | Notes

NR/NR MISSISSIPPI STATE (24-11) 78, NR/NR BAYLOR (19-15) 77
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Ferrell Center (Waco, Texas)
Attendance: 2,246

BAYLOR POSTGAME QUOTES

Baylor Head Coach Scott Drew
Opening Statement...
"In coaching, you try to play percentages. They came in number one two-point field goal percentage shooting team in the SEC and the second to last three-point percentage. 335th in the country in three-point percentage. They went 13-for-22. That 59 percent from behind the line really hurt us. You do have to credit them for making shots and starting off hot this morning. I'm proud of our guys because like all year they have never quit."

On what he thought about the final shot...
"I don't think I have ever seen a shot go straight up and straight down before, but unfortunately that's what happened".

On his message to the team at halftime...
"We had been more active defensively and had more deflections than we normally do. We really just wanted to get in the passing lanes and pressure them a little bit more. We forced more turnovers in the third quarter. We also tried to reassure them that if we could get to the shooters a little bit quicker we could contest those shots and run them off the line. Obviously, they were on fire from three. I think we did a better job of defending that shot in the second half".

Baylor Senior Terry Maston
On his success in the second half...
"We needed to do whatever it was going to take to win. We didn't get the win, but we needed to come out and play with energy and we all wanted to leave it out on the court. That was my mindset."

On taking the lead after being down by 20...
"I think we didn't give up. We knew a lot was at stake. We were playing for our season. We have worked so hard this season to fight back from how we performed in conference. It really propelled us to go out and get this game and to prolong the season. We did a great job fighting back but it wasn't the result we wanted in the end".

Baylor Senior Manu Lecomte
On what it was like to hit the shot at the end...
"I knew they would take it out quick. As soon as I made the shot I started sprinting back on defense and I thought we did a good job to get back on defense. The shot was contested but the result didn't favor us".

On if the final play was designed to drive to the basket...
"It is a play just to give me space to get a layup or kick it out. The big stayed in so I shot a floater".

MISSISSIPPI STATE POSTGAME QUOTES
Mississippi State Head Coach Ben Howland
Opening Statement...
"Great win and so proud of our team. We came out and built a 14-point lead at halftime. My message at half was that Baylor wasn't going to go away and we saw that. I don't understand how Maston isn't starting. He started causing us problems because they were going inside and inside. Just proud of the team for never giving up and fighting. "

On the team's three-point struggles this season entering Sunday's game...
"The biggest reason was shot selection. When we take good shots, we are a great three-point shooting team. Against LSU, we were great, making 13 in the first half. I give a lot of credit to Lamar because that means he is distributing the ball really well. We are becoming a good passing team and that helps a lot."

On the team's composure after going down by nine...
"That's the character of these kids. They never give up or get down. Against Missouri, we were down by eight with a minute left and forced it into overtime. They do a great job of never giving up and trusting each other."

On what the win means for the program...
"It is great because we haven't had a postseason win since 2010. In the past, with other teams, the NIT has really propelled teams into the next year in the NCAA Tournament. We want to finish this season as NIT champs. Happy for our players and our program."

On having Nick Singleton back...
"It was huge for us because he got us going early with his one dribble pull up shots. He has great fight and he is back and I'm very pleased."

Mississippi State Junior Quinndary Weatherspoon
On the final play of the game...
"I credit Lamar Peters for driving and creating space for me on the kick out. That created a good look and I shot it with confidence and it fell."

On if it was a good look on the final shot...
"Yeah, I think I got a good shot. I thought that I shot it too hard. Commentators said they have soft rims, so I'm glad they do."

Mississippi State Sophomore Tyson Carter
On getting the win after Baylor's comeback...
"We have been in situations like that before, so we never give up and always try to give us a chance to win."