March Madness Recap for 3/23/2025: Duke Dominates Baylor for Second-Straight Round of 32 Win

The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament continues to electrify fans around the country, and on March 23rd, one of the most dominant performances of the Round of 32 came from the Duke Blue Devils, who left little doubt in their 82-63 victory over the Baylor Bears. This game, which took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, was an emphatic statement by Duke, as they continued their march through the tournament with a second-straight convincing win, securing a spot in the Sweet 16.

Duke’s victory over Baylor wasn’t just a demonstration of their offensive prowess, but also a display of disciplined defense and cohesive team play. Let’s break down the highlights and key moments of this Round of 32 matchup, examining how the Blue Devils asserted their dominance and what this means for their upcoming tournament journey.

The Build-Up: Two Teams with a Legacy of Success

Coming into this game, both Duke and Baylor had solid reputations as championship contenders. Duke, under the leadership of head coach Jon Scheyer, had been playing excellent basketball throughout the season, finishing with a 28-5 record and securing a 2-seed in the tournament. Baylor, on the other hand, had fought hard through a competitive Big 12 Conference, earning a 3-seed in the tournament with a record of 27-6. With both teams boasting impressive rosters, this game had all the makings of a thrilling battle.

Duke entered the tournament with a mixture of youth and experience. Star freshman forward, Elijah Harris, had quickly become a household name, leading the Blue Devils with his dynamic scoring and rebounding. Senior guard, Jordan Taylor, brought veteran leadership and clutch shot-making ability, while sophomore point guard, Isaac Harris, was a steadying force on the floor. The Blue Devils were loaded with talent, and they seemed to be peaking at the right time.

Baylor, the defending champions of 2021, had a squad that was deep, tough, and athletic. Led by senior guard, Marcus Carter, and sophomore forward, Aaron Lewis, the Bears had the firepower to match any team. However, they had also been inconsistent throughout the regular season, with bouts of turnover issues and defensive lapses. They had entered the tournament with something to prove, hoping to reclaim their place at the top of college basketball.

First Half: Duke’s Early Surge

From the opening tip-off, it was clear that Duke was ready to make a statement. They came out of the gate fast, with Elijah Harris setting the tone early. The freshman forward was nearly impossible to stop in the paint, scoring on a variety of post moves and fast-break opportunities. Harris finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds, showcasing his dominance on both ends of the floor. His physicality was too much for Baylor’s defense to handle, and he proved to be a mismatch for the Bears all afternoon.

The Blue Devils’ fast-paced offense kept the Bears on their heels. Duke’s ball movement was crisp, and they consistently found open shooters in transition. Jordan Taylor was especially effective in the first half, knocking down several key three-pointers to push Duke’s lead to double digits early. Taylor’s shooting touch was on point, and his ability to stretch the floor opened up the interior for Harris and others to exploit.

Baylor’s defense, which had been their calling card all season, simply couldn’t keep up with Duke’s offensive explosion. Baylor’s defensive rotations were slow, and they allowed Duke to get easy baskets both in transition and in the half-court offense. While the Bears tried to counter with their own offensive firepower, their shooting struggled early. Marcus Carter, who had been the engine for Baylor throughout the tournament, found himself in foul trouble and was forced to the bench for extended stretches in the first half.

Baylor’s offense was also hampered by Duke’s defense, which showed no signs of letting up. The Blue Devils were active in passing lanes, forcing 8 first-half turnovers and converting those mistakes into fast-break opportunities. Duke’s defensive intensity stifled the Bears’ shooters, limiting them to just 39% shooting from the field in the opening period.

By halftime, Duke had built a commanding 45-30 lead, thanks in large part to their dominant inside game and efficient shooting. The Blue Devils were shooting 50% from the field, while Baylor was struggling to find any rhythm offensively. The tone had clearly been set: Duke was on a mission, and Baylor had no answer.

Second Half: Baylor’s Struggles Continue

Baylor came out in the second half determined to mount a comeback, but Duke’s defense continued to shut them down. The Bears attempted to increase their tempo in an effort to create more scoring opportunities, but Duke’s defense remained impenetrable. The Blue Devils were disciplined, contesting every shot and forcing Baylor into difficult, contested looks.

Aaron Lewis, who had shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, tried to take matters into his own hands by driving to the basket and creating his own shot. However, he was met with resistance at every turn. Duke’s big men, especially sophomore center Thomas Johnson, were dominant in the paint, altering shots and securing rebounds. Johnson finished with 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks, making it difficult for Baylor to get easy looks around the basket.

Duke’s offense, meanwhile, continued to hum. Isaac Harris ran the point with poise, setting up teammates and keeping the offense flowing smoothly. While Harris wasn’t scoring as much as his counterpart, Elijah Harris, he contributed 7 assists and 4 rebounds, providing the leadership and vision needed to keep Duke’s offense in rhythm.

The Blue Devils’ lead continued to grow, and by the midway point of the second half, the game was all but decided. Baylor could never get closer than 12 points, as Duke’s offensive efficiency and defensive pressure kept them comfortably ahead. Every time the Bears made a small push, Duke answered with a timely three-pointer or an easy transition bucket.

In the final minutes, the game turned into a celebration for Duke’s fans, as the Blue Devils coasted to an 82-63 victory. It was a statement win that showed Duke’s championship potential, as they played with the kind of dominance that few teams could match.

Key Players of the Game

• Elijah Harris (Duke): The freshman forward was the star of the game, finishing with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists. His ability to dominate inside and finish around the rim was a huge factor in Duke’s success.
• Jordan Taylor (Duke): The senior guard provided scoring and leadership, hitting 4 of 6 three-pointers and finishing with 16 points. Taylor’s sharp shooting stretched the floor and gave Duke the spacing they needed to operate efficiently.
• Marcus Carter (Baylor): While Carter had an off game, scoring just 8 points on 3-of-11 shooting, his struggles were symptomatic of Baylor’s larger issues. The absence of a consistent secondary scorer hurt the Bears’ chances in this one.
• Aaron Lewis (Baylor): Despite playing hard and contributing 14 points and 6 rebounds, Lewis could never get into a rhythm. His efforts weren’t enough to overcome Duke’s superior defense.

What’s Next for Duke?

With this dominant win, Duke moves on to the Sweet 16, where they will face the winner of the upcoming matchup between Michigan State and Kansas. The Blue Devils have now shown they are not just a team filled with potential—they are a juggernaut in full gear. Their blend of elite offensive talent and suffocating defense makes them one of the most formidable teams in the tournament.

The path ahead won’t be easy, but if Duke continues to play with the same intensity, they’ll be tough to beat. Coach Jon Scheyer’s leadership and the maturation of his young stars like Elijah Harris make the Blue Devils a team that can contend for the national title.

What’s Next for Baylor?

Baylor’s season comes to a disappointing end in the Round of 32, but their future remains bright. While they lacked the necessary consistency in this matchup, the Bears have a solid foundation to build on for the future. Marcus Carter and Aaron Lewis are both talented players who can lead the team in the coming years. However, they’ll need to improve their defense and develop more scoring options if they hope to make another deep tournament run next year.

A Dominant Statement from Duke

Duke’s 82-63 win over Baylor in the Round of 32 wasn’t just about securing a victory—it was a statement that they are a force to be reckoned with in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. With their combination of talent, discipline, and team chemistry, the Blue Devils are one of the most dangerous teams left in the field. For Baylor, it’s back to the drawing board, as they’ll need to regroup and find a way to overcome their inconsistencies if they hope to return to championship contention next season.

For now, the Blue Devils are firmly in control of their destiny, and fans everywhere will be watching closely to see how far this team can go in the tournament. With the Sweet 16 on the horizon, Duke has shown that they are a team to watch in the chase for the national title.