This might have to be the backdoor cover variety, but Norfolk State has won six straight games quite handily as the MEAC regular season and conference tournament champion. I'm not sure Baylor is that great this year and is the worst of the No. 1 seeds. The Bears remain without leading scorer LJ Cryer and were beaten by a so-so Oklahoma team in their Big 12 Tournament opener. I think Norfolk can hang within 18.

I'm taking the points with the Spartans. Norfolk missed three weeks this year due to Covid-19 but since returning in mid January they've played well and lost just 2 of their last 17 games. I think this one finishes under 20 points, as a banged up Baylor team probably is just focused on getting to the second weekend and getting healthy. I also like that Norfolk has guys like Joe Bryant and Jalen Hawkins who were a part of last year's squad which beat Appalachian in a First Four game and got stomped by Gonzaga by 40. They're better this year and have the experience of being here. Meanwhile, Baylor only beat Hampton in the first round by 24 last year. I like this Norfolk squad as a 16 more than that Hampton team. Take the big number, it is March... you never know...