Last updated Mar 23, 2:06am ET

  • Baylor edged out Mississippi St. with a 75-72 victory in the NCAA Tourney first round. ​
  • Duke defeated Mount St. Mary’s 93-49 in their tournament opener. ​
  • The last meeting took place on Dec. 20, 2023. Duke won 78-70

The #9 seed Baylor Bears are set to face the #1 seed Duke Blue Devils in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on March 23, 2025, at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. Both teams have demonstrated resilience and skill in their recent performances, setting the stage for an exciting matchup. The winner will advance to the East Region semifinals in Newark, New Jersey.

Bears Must Be Sharp

The Bears enter this matchup with a 20-14 overall record, having recently secured a narrow 75-72 victory over Mississippi State. Their offense averages 75.0 points per game, while their defense allows 70.5 points per game.

Key players include guard Jeremy Roach, a former Duke player, who brings experience and leadership to the team.

Additionally, forward Jalen Bridges has been instrumental in both scoring and rebounding, averaging 14.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. To secure a win against Duke, Baylor must maintain their offensive efficiency and tighten their defense to limit the Blue Devils’ high-scoring offense.

Blue Devils Look To Remain On Top

The Blue Devils boast a 32-3 overall record, showcasing their dominance with a 93-49 victory over Mount St. Mary’s in their tournament opener.

Their offense averages 82.0 points per game, while their defense is among the nation’s best, allowing just 62.3 points per game.

Standout players include freshman forward Cooper Flagg, who leads the team in scoring (18.9 points per game), rebounds (7.5 per game), and assists (4.1 per game). Guard Tyrese Proctor also plays a crucial role, contributing significantly in both scoring and playmaking. Duke’s strategy will focus on leveraging their offensive strengths and maintaining defensive pressure to disrupt Baylor’s rhythm.

Baylor Bears Vs Duke Blue Devils Pick

Duke enters the game as an 11.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 143.5 points. While Baylor has shown resilience, the Blue Devils’ balanced attack and defensive prowess give them a significant edge in this contest. Expect Duke to cover the spread and advance to the next round.​

Pick
Duke -11.5 (-110)
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Kervin Coleman
Kervin Coleman

Sports Analyst

Kervin is a Kean University graduate with a bachelor`s degree in Communications Journalism. He also played collegiate football there, as a team captain and starting Outside Linebacker. I think he knows what he\'s talking about. Make sure to tune in to see what comes next!

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