Baylor made six 3-pointers in the first seven minutes Thursday night and the Bears overcame Syracuse in a second half filled with lead changes, winning 78-69 in a first-round game of the NCAA Tournament’s West Region at Vivint Smart Home Arena.
Baylor guard Makai Mason scored 16 of his 22 points in the first half. Syracuse forward Elijah Hughes scored 18 of his 25 points in the first half. Syracuse played without starting guard Frank Howard, due to suspension.
The first half produced a terrific 20 minutes of offensive basketball, between two teams that actually play defense.