Prior to this game, Proctor established his hot streak in Duke’s 93-49 blowout against Mount St. Mary’s, where he contributed 19 points on 6-of-9 shooting. This winning trend reflects a statistically sound efficiency, with Proctor averaging 22 points per game on 78.9 percent shooting from the field and an impressive 81 percent from three-point territory throughout both tournament games.

In the game against Baylor, the Blue Devils executed an impressive offensive strategy, shooting a collective 64.4% from the field and converting 12 of their 22 three-point attempts (54.5%). This team effort included not just Proctor but also remarkable contributions from freshman Cooper Flagg, who added 18 points along with nine rebounds and six assists, illustrating the depth and talent of the Duke roster.

As the game unfolded, the Blue Devils quickly began to pull away from the Bears after a tight first half. With 4:47 left and Baylor trailing by only six points (30-24), the tide turned significantly. Following a series of crucial plays, including Proctor hitting a jumper, Duke extended their lead to 47-30 by halftime. The Blue Devils continued to dominate in the second half, maintaining a consistent lead and never allowing Baylor to come within 13 points after the break.

This match was not only pivotal in establishing Duke’s momentum but also underscored their intent to pursue a national championship this year. The Blue Devils have established themselves as the favorite in many brackets among fans, indicating public confidence in their abilities during this tournament.

Baylor, despite their previous success, has now been eliminated in the second round for four consecutive years, marking a disappointing exit for the team that last won the championship in 2021. The Bears were held to just 36.8% shooting, demonstrating Duke’s effective defense and rebounding prowess. Proctor and Flagg’s performances were augmented by solid contributions from teammates, showcasing a cohesive unit driven by shared objectives.

Following the victory, Duke is now set to face the winner of the matchup between No. 4 Arizona and No. 5 Oregon in Newark, New Jersey. Duke’s success and Proctor’s fiery performance have not only increased excitement among fans but have also bolstered his NBA Draft stock, projecting him potentially into the second round or even higher, depending on future performances.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will remain on Proctor, whose astonishing shooting and gameplay have solidified him as one of the best guards in college basketball. His journey from a young player to a key contributor under the bright lights of March Madness showcases his potential as a future NBA star, igniting hope for both Duke’s championship aspirations and his professional basketball career.