RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Tyrese Proctor led the No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils to a commanding victory over Mount St. Mary's, winning 93-49 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 21, 2025. Proctor scored 19 points, showcasing his scoring ability, while freshman Cooper Flagg, who had recently returned from an ankle injury, contributed 14 points and seven rebounds to help propel Duke forward in their quest for a sixth national title.
Duke wasted no time in establishing dominance, jumping to a swift 13-2 lead in the early minutes of the game. With clean execution and a powerful offense, the Blue Devils concluded the first half with a striking 54-28 lead, shooting an impressive 60.6 percent from the field. Overall, they finished the game shooting 50 percent, including an impressive 14 three-pointers.
Coach Jon Scheyer praised his team's performance, expressing pride in their maturity and focus despite the tournament's intensity. “I just thought these guys were incredibly mature without necessarily even playing in the NCAA Tournament besides Tyrese and Mason (Gillis),” Scheyer said. “Proud of the performance. We have to move on very quickly, but really good to get our feet wet and understand what the tournament is all about.”
Cooper Flagg played a vital role in the game and demonstrated his readiness for the competition. Earlier in the season, he had missed two crucial games after rolling his left ankle in a quarterfinal matchup against Georgia Tech. However, upon his return, he looked comfortable and confident, even executing an and-1 drive that saw him end up on his back during the opening flurry of scoring.
“I felt completely 100 percent and confident going into tonight’s game,” Flagg remarked after the match, reflecting on his recovery and performance.
The Blue Devils' victory was not only a significant milestone for the team, but it also marked Mount St. Mary's seventh trip to March Madness. They have previously made six tournament appearances as a member of the Northeast Conference. Despite the loss, the Mountaineers showed heart and determination, with head coach Donny Lind commenting on his team's effort. “I thought our guys fought unbelievably. They played with heart and determination and great effort until there were zeros on the clock, and I’m incredibly proud of that,” Lind said.
In statistics that stood out during the match, Duke achieved a remarkable 21 assists against just two turnovers, setting a school record with a 10.5-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. This efficiency showcased their excellent teamwork and communication on the court.
Next up for Duke will be a match against Baylor, a ninth-seeded team that boasts former Blue Devils guard Jeremy Roach, who transferred after last season. The upcoming game holds additional significance as it promises to be a reunion of sorts, with both teams eager to advance further in the tournament.
As the NCAA Tournament progresses, the excitement surrounding Duke’s performance grows, with fans eagerly anticipating what lies ahead. As Coach Scheyer noted, moving forward quickly will be essential as the tournament continues, but the Blue Devils appear more than ready to take on the challenges that await them.
