Duke’s Blowout of Baylor Shows Why the Blue Devils Are Championship Contenders

No. 1 seed Duke didn’t just defeat No. 9 seed Baylor in the second round of the NCAA Tournament—they dismantled them. With an emphatic 89-66 win, the Blue Devils demonstrated exactly why they are not only capable of a Sweet 16 appearance but are serious contenders for a national championship.

From elite guard play to suffocating defense, Duke’s performance against Baylor was a masterclass in tournament basketball. If this game is any indication, the Blue Devils have all the pieces to make a deep run through March Madness and claim their first championship since 2015.

How Duke Dominated Baylor

Duke’s 23-point rout over Baylor wasn’t just about one or two players going off—it was a complete team effort. Every aspect of their game was clicking, and Baylor simply couldn’t keep up.

Explosive First-Half Run

With eight minutes left in the first half, Baylor was still in the game, trailing by just four points (26-22). But then Duke flipped a switch.

Behind a balanced offensive attack, the Blue Devils outscored Baylor 24-6 to close the half, taking a commanding 50-28 lead into the break. That run was fueled by:

• Tyrese Proctor’s three-point barrage (7-10 from deep, 25 points total).
• Cooper Flagg’s all-around play (18 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists).
• Smothering defense that forced Baylor into contested shots and turnovers.

Defensive Prowess

Baylor had one of the most efficient offenses in the Big 12, averaging over 80 points per game. But against Duke? They managed just 66 points on 38% shooting.

Duke’s defensive dominance came from:

• Shot-blocking from Khaman Maluach (4 blocks, controlled the paint).
• Perimeter pressure from Proctor and Roach, forcing Baylor’s guards into tough shots.
• Defensive rebounding, limiting Baylor’s second-chance opportunities.

Balanced Offensive Attack

The Blue Devils shot 53% from the field and 44% from three. Baylor simply had no answers for Duke’s ball movement and outside shooting.

Duke’s four main offensive weapons stepped up:

1. Tyrese Proctor – 25 points, elite shooting.
2. Cooper Flagg – 18 points, key playmaker.
3. Jeremy Roach – 15 points, veteran leadership.
4. Kyle Filipowski – 12 points, dominant in the paint.

This offensive versatility makes Duke especially dangerous—opponents can’t just focus on shutting down one player.

Duke’s Season of Dominance

Duke has been one of the most complete teams in college basketball all season.

• Overall Record: 33-3
• ACC Record: 19-1 (Regular Season Champions)
• Home Record: Undefeated at Cameron Indoor Stadium
• Points per Game: 83.5
• Opponent Points per Game: 61.1

What makes Duke so dangerous is their ability to win in multiple ways—they can beat teams with defense, three-point shooting, or dominant post play.

Why Duke Can Go All the Way

Winning in March Madness isn’t just about talent—it’s about matchups, depth, coaching, and the ability to execute under pressure. Duke has everything needed to make a deep run:

1. Elite Guard Play

Tyrese Proctor and Jeremy Roach form one of the best backcourts in the country. Proctor’s ability to score and create shots for others, combined with Roach’s senior leadership, gives Duke an edge over almost any team.

2. A Superstar Freshman: Cooper Flagg

The projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg has lived up to the hype. His versatility, ability to impact the game on both ends, and composure under pressure make him Duke’s X-factor.

3. Depth and Versatility

Unlike many top-heavy teams, Duke has multiple scoring options and size across all positions. They can adjust their style of play depending on the opponent.

4. A Championship Pedigree

Duke knows how to win in March. Head coach Jon Scheyer has done an excellent job carrying on Coach K’s winning tradition. The Blue Devils don’t just want a Final Four—they expect it.

What’s Next? Duke’s Path to the Final Four

Duke will face No. 4 Arizona in the Sweet 16—a battle between two of the nation’s best teams.

Arizona, led by Caleb Love and Oumar Ballo, poses a real challenge. They have a high-powered offense and experience in big games. However, if Duke plays like they did against Baylor, they should advance to the Elite Eight.

Beyond Arizona, potential matchups could include:

• Elite Eight: No. 2 Michigan State or No. 3 Kentucky
• Final Four: No. 1 UConn or No. 2 Purdue
• National Championship: A likely showdown with Houston, Kansas, or Alabama

The road won’t be easy, but Duke has the talent and momentum to win it all.

 Duke’s Best Team Since 2015?

Duke’s dominant win over Baylor proved that they are more than just a Sweet 16 team—they are a true national championship contender.

With a mix of elite guard play, a future NBA superstar, defensive versatility, and a championship mindset, the Blue Devils have everything needed to cut down the nets in April.

Buckle up, Duke fans. This could be the year the Blue Devils reclaim their throne.