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As the thrill of March Madness engulfs basketball enthusiasts around the globe, all eyes turn towards the high-stakes matchups that define the spirit of the NCAA Tournament. Among the myriad of contests stirring excitement, the battle between the Baylor Bears and the Colgate Raiders has garnered a special spotlight, becoming a unanimous choice among experts for its first-round outcome.
## Baylor’s Path to Prevail
The No. 3 seed Baylor Bears are marching into the tournament, drawing attention with their impressive season performance. Spearheading their offensive prowess is their sharpshooting capability, boasting one of the country’s best three-point shooting percentages at 39.4%. This, combined with a 53.3% shooting efficiency inside the arc, places the Bears as a formidable force on the offensive end. Their ability to consistently draw fouls and capitalize from the free-throw line further accentuates their scoring threat.
However, it’s not just their scoring ability that makes the Bears stand out. Their rebounding game is noteworthy, snagging 35 percent of their misses. This ability to recover and capitalize on second-chance points could be a significant advantage in the tightly contested environment of the NCAA Tournament.
## The Colgate Raiders’ Challenge
The Colgate Raiders, entering as the No. 14 seed, have a narrative defined by persistence and defensive tenacity. This marks their fifth consecutive appearance in the tournament, an achievement that speaks volumes about the program’s consistency. Unlike previous iterations of the team, which leaned heavily on elite perimeter shooting, this year’s squad puts a premium on defense. Limiting opponents’ second-chance points and challenging every perimeter shot are staples of their defensive playbook.
On the offensive end, sophomore point guard Braeden Smith, the Patriot League Player of the Year, emerges as the linchpin. His abilities to create shots for himself and others will be pivotal for the Raiders as they face the daunting challenge posed by Baylor.
## Expert Consensus
It’s not often that analysts across the board agree unanimously on the outcome of a match in the NCAA Tournament, given its penchant for upsets and nail-biting finishes. Yet, in this instance, the Baylor Bears have emerged as a clear favorite to advance past the first round. Their combination of scoring efficiency, rebounding strength, and the promise of their star players place them in good stead to make a deep run in the tournament.
On the opposite end, while the Colgate Raiders are respected for their defensive rigor and the spark provided by Braeden Smith, the consensus points to a game where Baylor’s offensive depth and versatility could overwhelm the Raiders. For Colgate, the aspiration remains to break their winless streak in the Tournament, a tall order against a Baylor team seen by many as a dark horse capable of reaching the Final Four.
## Watch the Battle Unfold
For fans eager to witness how this matchup unfolds, the game is scheduled for a tipoff at 12:40 p.m. ET this Friday. It promises to be a showcase of Baylor’s offensive firepower against Colgate’s disciplined defense. As the Bears aim to validate the unanimous confidence placed in them by experts, the Raiders look to etch their name in March Madness history by pulling off an upset. It’s a classic NCAA Tournament story in the making, one where dreams are pursued, and legends can be born.
Divya 
Mehek