Baylor senior Austin Sacks came around the screen, hit one last 3-pointer and the contingent of Bears' fans inside FedExForum erupted one last time. Even the walk-ons couldn't really miss Friday.

No. 3 seed Baylor and No. 14 seed Colgate got March Madness action underway in Memphis with a West region first-round game, and the Bears left no doubt to kick-start their 2024 NCAA tournament.

Baylor dominated almost from the opening tip, surging past Colgate in a 92-67 win. Baylor (24-10) advances to the round of 32 against the winner of Friday's second matchup at FedExForum between No. 6 seed Clemson and No. 11 seed New Mexico.

Guard Jalen Bridges led the way with 23 points and future NBA draft lottery pick Ja'Kobe Walter made the most of his NCAA tournament debut by scoring 19 points. Baylor shot nearly 58 percent from the field, part of an offensive and athletic onslaught that showed just how dangerous Baylor might be moving forward.

Colgate (25-10), Patriot League champion, fell in the first round of March Madness for the fifth-straight time.

Here's how the game played out:

Baylor vs Colgate live score updates in NCAA first round

Baylor won't give Colgate hope

Colgate keeps trying to whittle away at Baylor's commanding advantage and Baylor keeps responding by hitting shots. The Bears are up to 12 3-pointers and just pushed their lead to a game-high 22 points. Baylor is up 77-55 with 7:10 to go in regulation -- its largest lead of the day. Barring a miraculous comeback, the Bears are on the verge of advancing to Sunday's round of 32.

Meet the "Colgate" pep band

Colgate might be facing too tall of a task against Baylor, trailing 59-42 with 15:16 to go. But at least the Raiders have their band here. Well, sort of.

Colgate's actual pep band is with the school's women's ice hockey team at the Frozen Four in New Hampshire, so the Mighty Sound of the South from the University of Memphis has stepped in to fill the void. One of the Memphis students even had a social media moment when CBS cameras caught him grooving with the cymbals.

Dive into perhaps the most unusual band story of the 2024 NCAA tournament first round.

Historic half for Baylor

The Bears' 54 first-half points were a new program record, according to CBS. Baylor will be a tough out in this NCAA tournament and a dark horse to make the Final Four given how many shot-makers it can play at one time. Still one more half to go to put away Colgate, though.

Baylor overwhelms Colgate to close first half

The Bears came into the 2024 NCAA tournament with one of the most explosive offenses in the field and they haven't disappointed against Colgate. Baylor put up 54 points before halftime while shooting better than 63 percent from the field. Colgate just hasn't been able to keep up and trails, 54-34, at the break.

Ja'Kobe Walter leads Baylor with 15 points and the projected lottery pick in the 2024 NBA draft has looked the part scoring from all over the court. But three others have at least eight points as the Bears' athleticism took over. Colgate's defense, its strength during this run to March Madness, just can't keep up so far

Baylor and Colgate are en fuego

Lots of offense in the first half of this one. Baylor and Colgate are both shooting at least 60 percent from the field through the opening 12 minutes of action, but Baylor is still keeping the Patriot League champion at arm's length. It's 36-23 Bears.

Baylor's Ja'Kobe Walter is up to 11 points and the Bears already have six 3-pointers. Colgate, on the other end, has gotten eight of its 11 field goals on layups. Not a lot of stops so far by either side, inside or out.

Baylor off to fast start thanks to NBA draft prospects

Behind its two potential one-and-done NBA draft picks -- guard Ja'Kobe Walter and big man Yves Missi -- Baylor has jumped out to a 13-6 lead on Colgate. They each have two field goals, including a thunderous and-1 dunk by Missi. Colgate's Keegan Records has six points from the post to keep the Raiders afloat thus far.

Baylor and Colgate have tipped off in Memphis

The first matchup of the day at FedExForum is underway.

What channel is Baylor vs. Colgate on today? How to watch, stream live

• TV channel: truTV

• Stream: NCAA March Madness Live app

Baylor will tip off vs. Colgate on truTV. Streaming options include the NCAA March Madness Live app and Sling TV. Announcers for the game are Spero Dedes (play-by-play), Jim Spanarkel (analyst) and Jon Rothstein (sideline).

Baylor vs. Colgate start time, TV info, location

• Start time: 11:40 a.m. CT

• TV info: truTV

• Location: FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee

Baylor vs Colgate preview

Baylor: The Bears are led by two potential one-and-done freshmen –.guard Ja'Kobe Walter and big man Yves Missi – but also boasts the only lineup in the country with six players averaging double figures in scoring. The Bears rank among the top 10 teams nationally 3-point percentage and offensive efficiency.

Colgate: Nobody from the Patriot League has been more successful than the Raiders, but they have yet to break through with an NCAA tournament win. They have, however, built second-half leads in two of their past three appearances. Colgate is led this year by sophomore Braedon Smith and a defense that ranks among the top 15 in fewest points allowed per game.

Baylor vs Colgate odds, betting line, spread

Odds according to BetMGM

• Spread: Baylor (-13.5)

• Over/under: 138.5

• Moneyline: Baylor (-1400)/Colgate (+775)

Baylor vs Colgate prediction, game picks

Baylor 80, Colgate 71: The Raiders will keep this closer than you think because of their experience in the NCAA tournament. But Baylor’s wealth of talent and potential one-and-dones – Walter and Missi – will be too much.

Baylor vs Colgate updates

Baylor: Guard Langston Love (ankle), questionable

Colgate: None

Baylor vs Colgate stats

Baylor

• PPG: 80.5

• PPG allowed: 71.2

• FG%: 48.3

• 3PT%: 38.8

• KenPom ranking: 15

Colgate

• PPG: 71.5

• PPG allowed: 63.2

• FG% 47

• 3PT%: 36.1

• KenPom ranking: 144

Baylor vs Colgate championship odds

Odds according to BetMGM:

BAYLOR: +3500

COLGATE: +200,000

Baylor basketball schedule 2023-24

The past five games of Baylor's 2023-24 basketball season. For the full schedule, click here

Colgate basketball schedule 2023-24

The past five games of Colgate's 2023-24 basketball season. For the full schedule, click here

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: March Madness: Baylor, Ja'Kobe Walter beat Colgate 2024 NCAA tournament