The Duke Blue Devils are gearing up for their second-round matchup against the Baylor Bears in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, following a commanding 93-49 victory over Mount St. Mary's. The game, slated for Sunday, March 23, at 2:40 p.m. ET at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, showcases Duke's ambition to claw through to the Sweet 16 after being awarded the second overall No. 1 seed in this year’s bracket.
With a robust season record of 32-3, Duke entered the tournament as one of the favorites to capture the national title. In their first-round game, they left little doubt about their capabilities, dominating Mount St. Mary's from the get-go. Cooper Flagg, the team's standout freshman who is considered a leading candidate for the Wooden Award, made his return to action after recovering from an ankle injury that had sidelined him for two games. In just 22 minutes on the floor, Flagg managed to score 14 points and pull down seven rebounds, helping propel the Blue Devils to victory.
Baylor, entering as the No. 9 seed with a record of 20-14, also found success in their opening match against Mississippi State, winning 75-72. The Bears are led by freshman star VJ Edgecombe, who has garnered attention as a potential lottery pick in this year's NBA Draft. Baylor's experience and talent have them poised to challenge Duke significantly.
This upcoming matchup marks the second time Duke and Baylor will face off in the NCAA tournament, with Duke needing to maintain composure and guard against an upset given Baylor's capability. Jon Scheyer, Duke’s head coach for the third season, has led the Blue Devils to make meaningful strides in the tournament, while Baylor's Scott Drew is aiming to get the Bears past the first weekend for the first time since their national championship win in 2021.
Fans wanting to catch the game can watch it on CBS, where play-by-play announcer Ian Eagle will be joined by analysts Bill Raftery and Grant Hill, with Tracy Wolfson providing sideline insights. Additionally, streaming options are available via platforms like Fubo, which offers a free trial, and the NCAA March Madness Live app.
As the anticipation builds, analysis from multiple sources suggests the Blue Devils should hold an advantage, with Duke being an 11.5-point favorite heading into the game, with betting odds reflecting confidence in their defensive prowess. In fact, Duke ranks among the top defensive teams nationally, which could pose significant challenges for Baylor. The over/under for the game is set at 143.5 points.
Duke fans are undoubtedly hoping that their team can replicate their past success in the tournament, having reached the Sweet 16 in four of the last five appearances. Meanwhile, Baylor will need to rely on strong performances from their key players, including Edgecombe and Robert Wright III, who scored a team-high 19 points against Mississippi State. Both teams are aware of the stakes that lie ahead, as the winner will advance to face either No. 4 seed Arizona or No. 5 seed Oregon in the Sweet 16.
In preparation for the upcoming game, Duke has been honing its strategies, especially focusing on keeping momentum high after the substantial point differential displayed in their first-round matchup. The team understands that they are in familiar territory, but that familiarity must translate into sharp execution on game day.
This tournament promises excitement, particularly as the stakes raise with each round. Fans and analysts alike are counting down the hours until Sunday afternoon, eager to see if Duke can continue their quest for the national championship while the Bears aim for an upset. As the action unfolds, both teams will display their competitive spirits in what is sure to be an enthralling encounter in Raleigh.
Mark your calendars: the 2025 NCAA Men's Final Four is scheduled for April 5 and 7, once again bringing the excitement of college basketball to the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Such events underscore how critical every game is in the tournament's landscape, with Duke and Baylor poised to make their mark.
