Duke Dominates Baylor To Advance In March Madness

The NCAA March Madness tournament saw a thrilling contest on Sunday, March 23, 2025, as the No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils defeated the No. 9 seed Baylor Bears 89-66 at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. This second-round matchup showcased the intense spirit of collegiate basketball as both teams fought hard for a spot in the next round.

Duke, boasting an impressive 32-3 record and a season dominated by their performance in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), entered the game with high expectations. With a resounding victory over Mount St. Mary's in the first round (93-49), the Blue Devils were keen to maintain their momentum. Freshman star Cooper Flagg, returning from an injury, proved pivotal in Duke's previous outing, contributing 14 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.

Despite their challenges this season, Baylor advanced to this stage by narrowly defeating Mississippi State 75-72 in their first-round game. Baylor finished the season with a 20-14 record, having displayed both talent and inconsistency along the way. However, previous meetings suggested that Duke had the upper hand, as they held a historical advantage with a perfect 2-0 record against the Bears.

The game began energetically, showcasing contrasting styles of play. Duke aimed to utilize their depth, size, and speed to dictate the pace of the game, whereas Baylor looked to slow things down, hoping to leverage their individual talents. The opening half was marked by Duke's collective strength, with the Blue Devils quickly establishing a lead.

Duke's impressive shooting continued to shine as they went into halftime leading 47-30. The Blue Devils shot efficiently, capitalizing on three-point opportunities, including an astonishing 12-for-22 from beyond the arc—a stark contrast to Baylor's eight-for-25 shooting performance. Duke’s Jeremy Roach, a former Baylor player, was also contributing to the score, adding to the show of talent on the floor.

As the second half unfolded, Duke kept pushing forward. Their ability to share the ball was evident, leading them to a total of 17 assists. Flagg, who had previously gained attention for his standout performance in prior games, once again showcased his skills, recording six assists along with his scoring.

Baylor fought valiantly but struggled against the relentless Blue Devils' defense. Omier led the Bears with 15 points, while Edgecombe added another 16 points, but it was clear that Duke's offensive strategy outmatched Baylor’s defensive performance. As the game wore on, tension filled the arena, with every successful play by Duke igniting cheers from their fans.

Now facing elimination, Baylor needed to devise a strategy to alter the course of the game. They attempted to rally, but Duke's defense—anchored by Flagg and his impressive performance on both ends of the court—was too formidable. In the end, the Blue Devils closed out the game with assertiveness, allowing them to secure their place in the next round and advance in the tournament.

The final score—89-66—reflects not only Duke's dominance in this game but also the depth and prowess of their roster. With every player contributing, including Proctor, who led all scorers with 25 points, and Knueppel with another 12, the Blue Devils proved they are a force to be reckoned with.

Attendance figures noted that 19,244 fans filled the Lenovo Center, with cheers echoing as Duke's victory was solidified. This contest marks a significant moment in March Madness history, especially for Duke as they aim for another Championship title, rallying support from fans and alumni alike.