After erupting for a career-high 40 points against TCU on Feb. 2, Mason has struggled with his shooting in the last nine games while sitting out road games at Texas Tech and Kansas with his toe injury.

But his court savvy and ability to get the ball to his teammates in the right places has been invaluable. He also has a knack for playing his best basketball at the biggest moments as the Bears clearly saw when he burned them for 31 points for Yale in a 79-75 win in the first round of the 2016 NCAA tournament.

“It’s really special,” Mason said. “Obviously I haven’t been back in a few years with all the injuries and everything. Just to be back on this stage is going to be really fun, especially with this team. We’ve been doubted from the beginning, so just to put it together through that, it’ll be even more special to be there again.”

McClure is still trying to find his shooting groove as he’s hit seven of 23 shots in the last five games since returning from his injury. But he’s strengthened Baylor’s defense with his physical style of play.

“There’s no time for injuries right now,” McClure said. “This is the time where you have to win. This is win or go home. All the little knick-knack injuries, you have to put those away.”