With March Madness in full swing, the excitement builds for the highly anticipated matchup between the No. 9 Baylor Bears and No. 1 Duke Blue Devils, taking place on March 23, 2025, at 1:40 p.m. CT at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. This clash of titans marks a significant moment for Baylor, who are looking to advance further in the NCAA Tournament, and perhaps recapture the magic of their national championship run four years ago.
The Bears (20-14, 10-10 Big 12) face a daunting task against the Blue Devils (32-3, 19-1 ACC), who come in with a proven record and plenty of firepower. Baylor's head coach Scott Drew acknowledged the challenges ahead, asserting that "anything can happen in a 40-minute game. March Madness is March Madness for a reason." He emphasized the need for his team to play at their very best against a renowned opponent like Duke. The first-round matchup showed a glimpse of Baylor's potential, as they narrowly defeated eighth-seeded Mississippi State 75-72, thanks to key contributions from freshman Robert O. Wright III and VJ Edgecombe, who put together a combined 33 points.
Langston Love, who scored 15 points in the opening round after recovering from an ankle injury that sidelined him during the Big 12 tournament, expressed confidence in his team’s ability to perform against top-tier competition. “We believe that we can beat anybody,” said Love. "We're capable of playing really good games. So, why not do it this next round?" This assertiveness is characteristic of a team that has experienced both ups and downs throughout their season but remains ready to seize the challenge.
This upcoming game carries a rich narrative, particularly for Jeremy Roach, a Duke transfer facing his former teammates. Roach, who averaged 10.1 points and 2.6 assists, played a vital role for Duke in their recent campaigns and was noted for his performance in their 2022 Final Four run. “I don’t want to get into, ‘I used to go to Duke’ or anything like that. Just focus on what Baylor has to do,” Roach stated, keeping his sights firmly on the game at hand. Duke’s coach Jon Scheyer expressed admiration for Roach, stating he has “nothing but love” for him, reinforcing a bond that remains despite his transfer.
Another fascinating subplot involves Cooper Flagg, a stellar Duke freshman and former high school teammate of Baylor's O. Wright, who scored 14 points in Duke's dominating 83-49 victory over Mount St. Mary’s in the first round. Flagg, who is now averaging 18.75 points per game for Duke, presents a significant challenge for Baylor’s defense. With such talent on both rosters, fans can expect a thrilling game that showcases elite college basketball.
As the teams prepare for their meeting, injuries continue to play a role in Baylor’s strategy. Throughout the season, the squad has dealt with major injuries, losing key players like Love and Roach at various points. Despite these setbacks, Baylor’s resilience shone through against Mississippi State, with Norchad Omier contributing a double-double, his 22nd of the season. Omier's consistent performance has placed him in NCAA history, moving him into 10th place with 1,685 career rebounds.
This matchup marks the latest chapter in a storied series between Baylor and Duke, with the last encounter ending in a 78-70 victory for Duke at Madison Square Garden in December 2023. That game featured strong performances from Jared McCain for Duke and Jeremy Roach for Baylor, a reminder of how closely fought these contests can be. Additionally, the teams have a history, having previously met in the 2010 South Regional Final, where Duke narrowly escaped with a 78-71 win.
As we approach tip-off, the stakes are high. Baylor is not only looking to advance to the Sweet 16 for the sixth time in the last 15 NCAA Tournaments but potentially upset a top seed. The Bears have proved adept at rising to the occasion in their recent tournament appearances, winning six straight opening games, a testament to their ability to perform when it matters most.
In closing, the matchup between Baylor and Duke is a classic NCAA Tournament showdown. With enticing storylines, talented rosters, and the crucible of March Madness, both teams are poised for an unforgettable battle on the court. Will Baylor's underdog story continue, or will Duke assert its dominance? Fans will find out soon as the game unfolds.
