Duke Blue Devils delivered a resounding performance against Baylor Bears, winning 89-66 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on March 23, 2025. The game, held at Lenovo Center, featured a standout display from Tyrese Proctor, who scored 25 points and made seven 3-pointers, continuing his hot streak.
Proctor, a junior guard, made an astonishing 7 of 8 attempts from beyond the arc, marking his third consecutive game with six or more three-pointers. This execution is particularly impressive considering he had struggled earlier in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament, going 0 for 10 in his first two games. Overall, Proctor shot 9 of 10 from the field, which significantly contributed to Duke’s superb shooting percentage of 64.4% against Baylor.
Joining Proctor in the spotlight was freshman Cooper Flagg, who also had a remarkable game, finishing with 18 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. The duo played a crucial role in keeping Duke’s momentum flowing throughout the game, especially during a decisive stretch at the end of the first half when the Blue Devils outscored Baylor 24-6.
Duke’s ability to maintain their composure in the face of Baylor’s aggressive offensive tactics was telling. The Bears managed to capitalize on offensive rebounds, which instilled a sense of physicality into the match. Notably, Flagg sustained a puffy right eyelid amidst this intense play, along with teammate Mason Gillis who came away with a noticeable scratch on the side of his neck—a testament to the game’s intensity.
At halftime, Duke led comfortably by a margin of 47-30. Despite Baylor's efforts, including a scoring effort from V.J. Edgecombe, who had 16 points, the Bears struggled to close the gap in the second half, never getting within 13 points of the Blue Devils.
Baylor’s performance in this match reflects a pattern of difficulty in advancing further in the NCAA Tournament, as this marked their fourth consecutive year being eliminated in the second round. The last time Baylor reached the tournament's second weekend was in 2021 when they secured the national title.
Duke’s progress in the tournament also comes with historical context. Despite having lost seven of their last eleven games at Lenovo Center leading into the tournament, they have now found a rhythm and momentum that may make them formidable contenders. The stage is set for their next challenge as they await either Oregon or Arizona in the Sweet 16, scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Newark, New Jersey.
Remarkably, Duke's performance in the postseason contrasts with their earlier struggles in the venue, which included surprising losses. As they approach the next round of the tournament, their fans and analysts alike are curious whether the Blue Devils can sustain this level of play.
Following the game, the overall reactions were a mix of excitement and concern for Baylor. The Bears have shown resilience throughout the season, opening their tournament with a win against eighth-seeded Mississippi State. However, their inability to advance further raises questions about their tournament strategy and execution under pressure.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Duke to see if they can maintain their trajectory following a decisive win. The tournament promises to be filled with surprises, and Duke's recent form places them firmly among the favorites for the national championship.
With March Madness well underway, Duke's commanding performance against Baylor not only showcases their skill but also sets the stage for the challenges that lie ahead in their quest for glory. Will they continue to dominate? Only time will tell.
