---

Baylor vs. USC prediction and game preview, as the No. 3 Bears and No. Trojans face off in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

---

It took Baylor 20 minutes to get going, but once the Bears woke up they wend on a tear. Down 40-38 to New Mexico State at the half, Baylor went on a 30-8 run to open the second half and effectively put the game on ice. It was certainly the tale of two teams, with the first half making skeptics of us all, and the second half a sharp reminder of how this team notched regular-season wins over the likes of Oregon, Louisville and West Virginia.

As for USC, it took a full 40 minutes to settle the winner. In classic battle of sharp offense (USC) against tough-nosed defense (SMU), it was the Trojans who came out on top. Here’s a preview of the Round of 32 game in Tulsa.

Baylor vs. USC Game Preview

Date: Sunday, March 19
Venue: BOK Center, Tulsa, Okla.
Region:  East

Baylor Wins If …

The balanced scoring continues. Johnathan Motley had himself an efficient game – 7-for-14, 15 points, 10 boards – and he can take over a game if needed, but balanced scoring will carry Baylor through this tournament. Terry Mason and Al Freeman chipped in 40 points off the bench, creating a nice inside-out combo. If that kind of production keeps up, Baylor can make a run.

While the slow start against New Mexico State was troubling, this is a team that can catch lightning in a bottle and turn a game on its head in the blink of an eye.

USC Wins If …

Keep running. USC will be looking in a mirror against Baylor, as it plays a team that likes to get up and down the court and score in a hurry. However, the Trojans cannot keep falling behind and digging out of a hole. They’re living on borrowed time, and any dead spell against Baylor could mean trouble.

Baylor vs. USC Prediction

Prepare for a track meet, as both of these teams like to score in bursts. USC keeps finding it’s mojo late in the game and pulling a rabbit out of the hat. Against Baylor it’ll be more of the same. This will be a game of streaks, with Bennie Boatwright taking over late to push the Trojans from First Four to Sweet 16.

Baylor vs.USC Score Prediction:  USC 92, Baylor 85

MORE: Complete NCAA Tournament Bracket, Previews, Predictions