Duke University’s men’s basketball team cruised into the Sweet 16 with a commanding victory over Baylor in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday. The Blue Devils, holding the top seed in their region, showcased their strength by defeating the No. 9 seeded Bears with a final score of 89-66.
The game took a decisive turn at the end of the first half. With just over three minutes remaining, Baylor managed to narrow Duke’s lead to 35-30, thanks to a three-pointer by Jalen Celestine. However, Duke quickly responded. Cooper Flagg, a standout player and a potential top draft pick for the NBA, scored eight points out of a crucial 12-0 run that propelled Duke into a comfortable halftime lead of 47-30. Flagg punctuated this surge with an impressive alley-oop dunk, emphasizing Duke’s dominance at that moment.
In the second half, Duke maintained its lead as Baylor struggled to close the gap. Tyrese Proctor played a pivotal role in this match, delivering his best performance of the season with 25 points, shooting an impressive 9-of-10 from the field, and making 7-of-8 attempts from beyond the arc. Proctor had already shown his shooting prowess in the opening round against Mount St. Mary’s, where he tallied 19 points and shot 6-of-8 from three-point range.
Not far behind Proctor’s performance was Flagg, who contributed significantly with 18 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Despite facing early foul trouble, Flagg was kept on the court by Duke’s head coach, Jon Scheyer, who opted not to sit his star player for an extended period. This strategy paid off, as Flagg returned to add crucial points to his team’s tally before halftime, a tactic that has been seen as increasingly common among coaches in the current basketball landscape.
Duke’s victory marked the team’s second consecutive appearance in the Sweet 16 under Scheyer’s leadership. Last year, the Blue Devils reached the Elite Eight as a No. 4 seed before being eliminated by their Atlantic Coast Conference rivals, NC State. This year, Duke’s strong performance and consistency have established them as favorites for the championship, particularly if players like Proctor continue to excel.
The Blue Devils’ win over Baylor not only showcased their excellent teamwork and skill but also emphasized their strong potential to advance further in the tournament. With Proctor’s impressive shooting and Flagg’s all-around gameplay, Duke’s prospects look promising as they prepare for their next matchup.
As the tournament progresses, basketball fans will be eagerly watching to see if Duke can keep up their momentum and potentially add another title to their storied history. The team’s combination of skilled shooting, effective strategy, and the ability to perform under pressure makes them a formidable opponent for anyone they face.
The Sweet 16 will be a crucial test for Duke as they aim to demonstrate their ability to compete at the highest levels. The anticipation builds, and all eyes will be on the Blue Devils as they continue their journey in the NCAA Tournament.
