Duke vs Baylor Officially Set: Time, Date for March Madness Second Round Game

As March Madness rolls on, basketball fans across the country are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting second-round matchup between two of college basketball’s premier programs: the Duke Blue Devils and the Baylor Bears. The two teams, both with storied histories and championship pedigrees, are set to clash in a highly anticipated game that will have major implications for their NCAA Tournament aspirations.

Duke, one of the most successful programs in NCAA history, has entered the 2025 tournament as a high seed and has already dispatched Mount St. Mary’s in dominant fashion. Their impressive performance in the first round, winning 93-49, has placed the Blue Devils in an ideal position to make a deep run. With a mix of talented freshmen, experienced upperclassmen, and elite coaching, Duke is primed to challenge for the national title once again.

On the other hand, Baylor, the reigning NCAA champions from a few seasons ago, are no strangers to March Madness success. Coming off a hard-fought victory in the first round, the Bears will look to carry the momentum from their 2025 campaign into this matchup. With a mix of veteran leadership, exceptional defense, and explosive offense, Baylor is more than capable of making another deep tournament run and will be a formidable opponent for Duke.

As both teams prepare for this thrilling second-round showdown, let’s break down the time, date, and everything you need to know about this marquee matchup between the Blue Devils and the Bears.

Time and Date:

The highly anticipated second-round game between Duke and Baylor is scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 23, 2025. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM ET, and the game will be broadcast live on CBS, ensuring that fans across the country will be able to witness the drama unfold as two of the tournament’s most successful teams collide.

This late-night game will serve as one of the key matchups of the second round, with plenty of NBA scouts expected to be in attendance to watch future stars like Carrington Jones of Duke and Baylor’s own standout players. With both teams carrying championship aspirations, the atmosphere inside the arena and the intensity on the court are expected to be at an all-time high.

Duke’s Path to the Second Round: Dominance Over Mount St. Mary’s

Duke enters this second-round game after an emphatic first-round performance against the Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers, defeating them 93-49. The Blue Devils were clicking on all cylinders, displaying a level of offensive and defensive dominance that many experts had expected from them heading into the tournament.

Carrington Jones, the talented freshman guard, was sensational in the first round, leading the team with 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Jones’s perimeter shooting (5-of-8 from three) and ability to break down defenders off the dribble put Duke in control of the game from start to finish. Alongside Jones, sophomore forward Elijah Grant posted a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing his ability to dominate in the paint and on the boards.

Duke’s offensive balance was on full display as they shot an impressive 54.2% from the field and 43% from beyond the arc. Their fast-paced, high-scoring style overwhelmed Mount St. Mary’s, and the Blue Devils’ defensive pressure resulted in 9 steals and 16 turnovers forced.

The Blue Devils have looked every bit the part of a national title contender and will be riding high heading into their matchup with Baylor. However, their upcoming opponents are more than capable of matching their intensity, making this game one to watch.

Baylor’s Journey to the Second Round: Hard-Fought Victory Over Toledo

Baylor, the 2021 NCAA champions, come into this game with their eyes set on another deep March Madness run. In the first round, the Bears had to fight hard to get past a scrappy Toledo team. Despite a slow start, Baylor found their rhythm late in the game, using a strong second-half performance to secure a 77-70 win.

Baylor’s defense was key to their victory over Toledo, as they stifled the Rockets’ offensive flow and limited their high-scoring guard play. The Bears’ defensive scheme, led by head coach Scott Drew, has been one of their trademarks for years. Against Toledo, their physicality and ability to lock down shooters in the second half helped them regain control of the game.

Offensively, Baylor was led by their senior guard, Elijah Thomas, who scored 21 points and added 6 assists. Thomas’s ability to create his own shot and facilitate for others will be critical for the Bears as they move forward in the tournament. Sophomore forward Jalen Anderson also contributed heavily with 18 points and 8 rebounds, providing a strong presence in the paint and on the glass.

Baylor shot 46.5% from the field and 38% from three, but their real strength came in their ability to execute down the stretch. The Bears’ composure in tight situations is something that sets them apart from other teams in the tournament, and it will be essential as they face Duke’s high-powered offense.

Key Matchup: Duke’s Offense vs. Baylor’s Defense

This game will feature a classic clash of styles. Duke’s offensive firepower, led by their freshman duo of Carrington Jones and Elijah Grant, will face off against one of the nation’s toughest and most disciplined defenses in Baylor. The Bears, with their aggressive man-to-man defense and ability to disrupt opposing offenses, will look to limit Duke’s fast break opportunities and force them into half-court sets.

Duke thrives in transition, with their athleticism allowing them to get out on the break and generate easy scoring opportunities. Carrington Jones’s speed and court vision make him a dangerous player in the open floor. Baylor will need to prevent Duke from getting out and running, forcing the Blue Devils to execute in a more controlled half-court offense.

In the half-court, Baylor’s defense will have to deal with Duke’s wealth of offensive options. Aside from Jones, the Blue Devils boast multiple weapons in their starting five, including veteran guards like Amir Robinson and sharpshooter Caleb Thompson. If Baylor allows Duke to find their rhythm from beyond the arc, they could find themselves facing a difficult challenge.

However, Baylor’s defense is known for its ability to clamp down in key moments. Coach Scott Drew’s ability to adjust his defensive scheme based on his opponent’s strengths will be crucial here. Look for Baylor to double-team Jones in certain situations, forcing other Duke players to step up and make plays.

Key Players to Watch:

• Carrington Jones (Duke): The freshman phenom is Duke’s most dynamic player. His ability to score from all levels of the floor and distribute the basketball will make him a focal point for the Bears’ defense. If Jones can maintain his level of play from the first round, Duke’s offense will be tough to stop.
• Elijah Thomas (Baylor): Baylor’s leader in the backcourt, Thomas will need to have another stellar game to keep the Bears in the contest. His scoring and ability to facilitate will be essential in keeping the pace of the game competitive and in making sure that Baylor doesn’t get overwhelmed by Duke’s talent.
• Elijah Grant (Duke): Duke’s versatile forward has shown that he can be a dominant force in the paint. His size and skill set will be key in both scoring and rebounding, especially in what promises to be a physical matchup against Baylor’s interior players.
• Jalen Anderson (Baylor): Anderson is a key contributor for Baylor on both ends of the floor. His ability to score in the post, rebound, and defend will be critical in battling Duke’s frontcourt and helping the Bears maintain balance throughout the game.

What’s at Stake:

This second-round matchup is critical for both teams. A victory here not only guarantees a spot in the Sweet 16, but it also sets the stage for an even tougher road ahead. For Duke, advancing to the next round would further solidify their status as one of the tournament’s top contenders, while a loss would be a huge disappointment given their high expectations.

For Baylor, the stakes are just as high. The Bears have proven time and time again that they are a championship-caliber team, but they will need to find a way to slow down Duke’s offense while executing their own game plan on offense. Baylor has experience on their side, and they’ll need to lean on their veteran players to guide them through this difficult test.