How Duke’s Dominating Victory Over Baylor Proves They’re a Strong Contender for a Deep NCAA Tournament Run

RALEIGH, N.C. — It only took three tense minutes to distinguish Duke as a contender in the NCAA Tournament, leading to their 89-66 triumph over Baylor and a spot in the Sweet 16.

In the final moments of the first half, Duke surged ahead with a 12-0 run, leaving Baylor struggling to score. This decisive stretch solidified Duke’s 17-point lead at halftime, a gap that Baylor just couldn’t close.

Duke’s unexpected momentum came from their mentality and teamwork. Veteran forward Mason Gillis rallied his teammates when the game was still competitive. He reminded them that they could either let Baylor close the gap or expand their lead. The team chose the latter.

Coach Jon Scheyer echoed this sentiment at halftime by referencing a previous loss where Duke blew a commanding lead against North Carolina. This memory spurred the players to perform at their best in the second half.

Duke’s shooting was incredible. They achieved a historic 64.4% shooting accuracy in this game, the best ever in an NCAA Tournament game for the program. Their effective field-goal percentage was also the highest in over ten years, highlighting their offensive prowess.

Guard Tyrese Proctor stood out, scoring a career-high 25 points and hitting seven three-pointers, a feat he has replicated in recent games. His ability to drain crucial shots kept Baylor at bay. Despite some discussion about shooting issues in these tournaments, Proctor tackled this head-on with humor, indicating that he has found no problems with the game ball.

The match initially started close, with Baylor showing promise, led by graduate big man Norchad Omier. However, his foul trouble opened the door for Duke. Once Omier sat down, Baylor struggled to keep pace, allowing Duke to build their lead.

Much of the pre-game buzz surrounded Baylor’s Jeremy Roach, a former Duke star. However, Roach’s impact was minimal, and as the game unfolded, it was clear Duke was determined to secure their victory.

As Duke prepares to jet off to Newark for the next round, they are eyeing their sixth national championship. They will face the winner of the Arizona-Oregon matchup, adding even more excitement to the next phase of their tournament journey.

In the world of sports betting, Duke has emerged as an early favorite, reflecting confidence in their gameplay and potential. With the intensity of tournament play ramping up, fans are eagerly watching how far Duke can go.

Duke’s powerful performance not only showcases their talent but highlights a team dynamic that could carry them far in this tournament. As they head toward their next challenge, all eyes will be on their quest for glory.



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Duke Blue Devils, Baylor Bears, Men's College Basketball