Duke Dominates Baylor: A Stunning 89-66 Victory Sends Blue Devils to Sweet 16!

In a commanding display of basketball prowess, the No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils triumphed over the No. 9 seed Baylor Bears with an emphatic score of 89-66 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on March 23, 2025. This victory not only secured Duke’s place in the Sweet 16 but also showcased their potential to make a deep run in this year’s tournament.

Duke’s performance was nothing short of remarkable, as they improved their NCAA Tournament record to 124-41 with this win. The Blue Devils have been on a roll, winning their first two tournament games by a staggering combined margin of 67 points, highlighting their dominance on both ends of the court.

The game took place at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, NC, which provided a home-court advantage for Duke, located just a half-hour from their campus. The atmosphere was electric as fans rallied behind their team, and the Blue Devils did not disappoint.

Duke began the game with a narrow lead of 35-30 but quickly turned up the heat, going on a 12-0 run to extend their advantage to 47-30 by halftime. This pivotal stretch demonstrated Duke’s “killer instinct,” as described by head coach Jon Scheyer. The Blue Devils’ first-half performance included a notable 24-6 run, showcasing their ability to seize momentum and maintain control of the game.

Freshman sensation Cooper Flagg led the charge for Duke, contributing 18 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. However, it was fellow freshman Tyrese Proctor who stole the spotlight with a career-high 25 points, including an impressive seven three-pointers. Proctor’s scoring prowess was instrumental in Duke’s ability to stretch their lead and keep Baylor at bay.

Duke’s overall shooting performance was extraordinary, finishing the game with an impressive 64.4% shooting percentage, marking their best in a single NCAA Tournament game. This offensive efficiency allowed them to score an astonishing 1.51 points per possession, the highest single-game output in the NCAA Tournament since 2016.

On the defensive end, Duke was equally impressive, limiting Baylor to just 66 points, well below their season average of 76.4 points per game. This defensive effort was crucial in maintaining their lead and stifling any potential comeback from the Bears.

Baylor, who finished the season with a record of 20-15, struggled to keep pace with the Blue Devils. Despite their efforts, they were unable to mount a significant challenge, ultimately falling to Duke by a 23-point margin. This defeat marked the largest margin in the series against Duke, which they now lead 3-0.

As the Blue Devils celebrate their victory, they look ahead to the Sweet 16, where they will face either the No. 4 seed Arizona or the No. 5 seed Oregon on March 27, 2025. Duke’s depth and talent were on full display during this game, with multiple players stepping up to contribute significantly to the win.

Duke’s victory also highlights their impressive streak of 1,261 consecutive games with at least one three-pointer, the longest active streak in the nation. This consistency from beyond the arc has been a key component of their offensive strategy and success throughout the season.

In conclusion, Duke’s 89-66 victory over Baylor not only propels them into the Sweet 16 but also serves as a statement of their capabilities as a championship contender. With their combination of offensive firepower and defensive tenacity, the Blue Devils have positioned themselves as a formidable force in this year’s NCAA Tournament. As they prepare for their next challenge, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see how far this talented team can go.