Proctor, Flagg Help No. 1 Seed Duke Roll Past Baylor 89-66 to Reach Sweet 16 of March Madness

March Madness is one of the most thrilling times of the year for college basketball fans, filled with upsets, buzzer-beaters, and moments that etch themselves into the collective memory of sports fans. For No. 1 seed Duke, the road to the Sweet 16 in the 2025 NCAA Tournament seemed to be paved with impressive performances, and their 89-66 victory over No. 9 seed Baylor in the Round of 32 was no exception. Behind stellar play from freshmen stars Tyrese Proctor and Mookie Flagg, Duke displayed the kind of dominant basketball that made them the top seed in the tournament.

The game was never truly in doubt for the Blue Devils, as they used their size, athleticism, and well-coached defensive schemes to neutralize Baylor’s explosive offense. Despite Baylor’s attempts to rally, particularly behind their talented backcourt, Duke’s offensive and defensive balance proved too much to overcome. With this win, Duke advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time in several years, a crucial milestone for a team that was hungry for redemption after falling short in the tournament the previous season.

First Half: Dominant Opening Stanza

From the opening tip, Duke came out with a sense of urgency and focus that had been lacking in their previous tournament appearances. Baylor, known for its aggressive defense and perimeter shooting, had little answer for Duke’s size and athleticism, as the Blue Devils seemed to be on a mission from the start.

The first half was a tale of two contrasting styles. Duke’s physical presence in the paint allowed them to control the game early. Proctor, the team’s standout freshman guard, played like a seasoned veteran, leading the Blue Devils both in scoring and playmaking. His ability to break down defenses with his speed and court vision was on full display, and he consistently found his teammates for easy buckets.

Flagg, another freshman, was equally impressive in the opening half. His rebounding, defense, and efficient scoring were all major factors in Duke’s dominance. On both ends of the floor, Flagg was a difference-maker, making crucial stops on Baylor’s guards and finishing in transition.

At the other end, Baylor struggled to find rhythm offensively. While their guard trio of Keyonte George, LJ Cryer, and Adam Flagler had the potential to ignite the offense with their shooting and ball-handling, they were stifled by Duke’s defensive game plan. Head coach Jon Scheyer had clearly made adjustments since the first round, and his defense was suffocating, forcing the Bears into difficult shots and turnovers.

Duke’s big men, particularly 7-foot center Kyle Filipowski, were also a major factor. Filipowski’s presence in the paint limited Baylor’s ability to drive to the basket, and he had several key blocks that sparked fast-break opportunities. Filipowski’s rebounding also helped Duke dominate the glass, leading to multiple second-chance opportunities.

By halftime, Duke had built a commanding 47-30 lead, and it was clear that Baylor’s defense had no answers for the Blue Devils’ offensive firepower. For Baylor, the half was filled with missed shots, rushed attempts, and unforced turnovers. The Bears were shooting just 36% from the field, and they had no answers for Proctor and Flagg, who combined for 26 of Duke’s 47 points in the first half.

Second Half: No Let Up from Duke

Baylor came out of the halftime break determined to mount a comeback. Head coach Scott Drew urged his players to fight through their struggles and trust in their shooting ability. However, Duke simply would not relent. The Blue Devils’ defense remained tight, and their offensive execution was flawless.

Duke continued to work the ball around the perimeter, finding high-quality looks and knocking down shots with precision. Tyrese Proctor and Mookie Flagg were instrumental in this, showing off their growing chemistry and ability to run the offense. Proctor, who has been lauded for his mature play, showed poise in the second half, knocking down critical jump shots and orchestrating the offense with ease. His ability to balance scoring and playmaking was key in Duke’s continued dominance.

Flagg, meanwhile, showed his versatility. In addition to his scoring, he was able to contribute in multiple facets of the game, with key assists and hustle plays that energized his team. He also played stellar defense, routinely getting into the passing lanes and disrupting Baylor’s offensive flow.

Baylor, however, did not give up easily. With their backs against the wall, they showed some fight, as George, Cryer, and Flagler began to heat up. George’s slashing ability gave the Bears a much-needed spark, while Cryer and Flagler knocked down a few three-pointers, cutting the lead to 15 with about 10 minutes left in the game.

But Duke, once again, responded with calm and precision. Filipowski’s rebounding, along with key buckets from Proctor and Flagg, quelled Baylor’s mini-run. The Blue Devils were simply too deep and too talented for Baylor to mount a serious comeback, and their defense continued to stifle Baylor’s scoring opportunities.

By the time the game reached its final minutes, the outcome was all but decided. Duke had built a 25-point lead, and the remaining Baylor fans in the stands had started to trickle out, knowing their team’s tournament run was over. With a few reserves getting some valuable tournament experience, Duke finished with an impressive 89-66 victory.

Player Performances: Proctor and Flagg Lead the Way

Tyrese Proctor was undeniably the star of the game. The freshman point guard finished with 22 points, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds, and his ability to control the tempo of the game was evident throughout. Proctor’s confidence in handling the ball, making reads on the fly, and knocking down crucial shots was on full display, and his growth over the course of the season has been remarkable. There’s little doubt that Proctor has the potential to be one of the best point guards in college basketball.

Mookie Flagg was also exceptional. He contributed 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists, showcasing his all-around game. Flagg’s ability to play both ends of the floor at a high level made him one of the most valuable players in the game. His tenacity on defense was key in limiting Baylor’s guards, while his ability to score both inside and out kept the Bears’ defense on their heels.

Filipowski was also solid, contributing 14 points and 10 rebounds. His rim protection and rebounding were crucial to Duke’s success, and his size was a problem that Baylor could never quite solve. While Proctor and Flagg received most of the attention, Filipowski’s presence in the paint was the backbone of Duke’s defensive effort.

For Baylor, Keyonte George led the way with 18 points, but his shooting efficiency was below his typical standards. He struggled to get into the flow of the game, especially with Duke’s defense pressuring him on every possession. Cryer and Flagler also struggled, combining for just 24 points on 9-of-21 shooting. Baylor’s inability to get consistent production from their guards ultimately doomed them in this matchup.

Looking Ahead: Duke’s Sweet 16 Journey

With the victory, Duke now advances to the Sweet 16, where they will face a tough opponent in the next round. While Duke has been one of the favorites to win the tournament, their path is far from easy, as they will need to continue playing at a high level if they are to go deep into the tournament.

Jon Scheyer’s team has shown all year that they are capable of being a complete team, and their performance against Baylor was a perfect example of this. Their balance between offensive firepower and defensive execution will be key as they face increasingly difficult challenges in the coming rounds.

Duke has been building momentum as the tournament progresses, and with freshmen like Proctor and Flagg continuing to evolve, the Blue Devils are becoming an even more dangerous team. The experience gained from the victory over Baylor will undoubtedly serve them well as they move forward in the tournament.

For Baylor, the loss marked the end of their season. While they showed flashes of brilliance, particularly with their ability to shoot from the outside, their lack of consistency and inability to break through Duke’s defense left them with little chance. Head coach Scott Drew will likely reflect on what went wrong and how his team can bounce back stronger next season.

Duke’s 89-66 victory over Baylor was a statement win for a team that has been poised for greatness throughout the 2025 NCAA Tournament. With standout performances from Tyrese Proctor, Mookie Flagg, and Kyle Filipowski, Duke showed that they have the depth, talent, and coaching to make a serious run at the national championship. As they head into the Sweet 16, the Blue Devils will be one of the most feared teams remaining in the tournament. With momentum on their side and a balanced roster, Duke’s path to glory is wide open.

In the chaotic and unpredictable world of March Madness, Duke’s dominant win over Baylor serves as a reminder of why they were the No. 1 seed in the first place: when they’re playing their best basketball, they’re a team that no one wants to face.