Baylor vs Clemson predictions, picks, odds for March Madness second round, NCAA bracket
After No. 3 seed Baylor and No. 6 seed Clemson scored relatively easy wins in the first round of March Madness action at FedExForum, they will meet with a spot in the Sweet 16 on the line Sunday afternoon in a West region round of 32 game in Memphis (5:10, TNT).
Baylor's explosive offense was at its best in the first round Friday, overwhelming No. 14 seed Colgate's statistically stingy defense with 16 3-pointers and a program record-setting 92 points. Senior Jalen Bridges had 18 of his 23 points in the second half and future NBA draft lottery pick Ja'Kobe Walter had 19 points in his NCAA tournament debut.
Clemson made its own statement, blowing out No. 11 seed New Mexico for its first March Madness win since 2018, despite a national narrative that actually led to the Tigers being underdogs as a higher seed. Clemson's interior duo of P.J. Hall and Ian Schieffelin are dynamic, but it also got 21 points and six assists from point guard Chase Hunter while mostly shutting down New Mexico's high-powered offense.
Here's a look at Baylor vs Clemson predictions, picks and odds for March Madness in Memphis:
Baylor vs. Clemson prediction, picks for March Madness
JONAH DYLAN
The Bears build off their impressive win over Colgate and advance to the Sweet 16 behind Ja’Kobe Walter and Jalen Bridges.
MARK GIANNOTTO
The health of Baylor big man Yves Missi, who was limited by a back injury Friday, looms large with Clemson star P.J. Hall on tap. But Baylor’s backcourt of RayJ Dennis and Ja’Kobe Walter will be the difference in what will be another high-scoring Bears’ win.
WYNSTON WILCOX
Ja'Kobe Walter continues his NCAA tournament with a big game to send the Bears to the Sweet 16.
MORE: Watch Baylor vs. Clemson live in March Madness on TNT (sign up for SlingTV today!)
Baylor vs Clemson odds: Spread, betting line
Spread: Baylor (+4.5)
Over/under: 144.5
Moneyline: Baylor (-200) vs. Clemson (+165)
March Madness bracket, schedule
Here is a printable PDF of the men's bracket
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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Baylor vs Clemson prediction picks, odds in March Madness second round
