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

The 2025 NCAA Tournament has already proven to be a thrilling spectacle, and on March 23, 2025, the Duke Blue Devils delivered yet another statement performance, obliterating the Baylor Bears in the Round of 32. In what was a highly anticipated matchup between two of the most talented programs in college basketball, Duke showed why they are one of the favorites to make a deep run in this year’s tournament, dominating Baylor from start to finish. The win not only secured Duke a spot in the Sweet 16 but also reaffirmed the Blue Devils’ status as one of the best teams in the country.

Let’s dive into a detailed recap of this exciting Round of 32 clash, analyzing key moments, standout performances, and what this win means for Duke as they march on in March Madness.

Game Overview: A Complete Team Effort

From the opening tip, it was clear that Duke came to play. Baylor, a team known for its potent offense and disciplined defense, was simply outmatched in this contest. The Blue Devils wasted no time asserting themselves, using their length, athleticism, and superior shooting to put Baylor on the defensive.

Duke’s defense was stifling throughout the game, limiting Baylor’s shooters and preventing their high-powered offense from finding any rhythm. On the offensive end, Duke was firing on all cylinders, getting contributions from several players who stepped up when needed most. The Blue Devils finished the game with a decisive 83-61 victory, extending their tournament run and earning a well-deserved spot in the Sweet 16.

First Half: Duke Sets the Tone Early

The game began with both teams looking to establish their tempo, but it didn’t take long for Duke to take control. The Blue Devils came out with intensity, forcing turnovers and converting them into easy points in transition. Early on, it was clear that the Blue Devils were the more aggressive team, both offensively and defensively.

Kyle Filipowski, Duke’s star sophomore forward, was a force in the opening minutes. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and create mismatches in the post put Baylor’s defense on its heels. Filipowski, who had been dominant throughout the tournament, was relentless in his attack on the basket, finishing with 22 points and 9 rebounds on the night. His versatility was a key factor in Duke’s offensive flow, as he was able to score both inside and from the perimeter.

But it wasn’t just Filipowski who shone. Duke’s backcourt, led by Tyrese Proctor, who had been excellent in their previous game, continued to provide stability and offensive firepower. Proctor’s vision and basketball IQ helped create open shots for his teammates, and his ability to score from deep stretched Baylor’s defense and forced them into tough rotations.

Duke’s defense, which had been a hallmark of their play all season, was on full display in the first half. They played a tight man-to-man defense, contesting shots and making life difficult for Baylor’s key players. The Blue Devils’ ability to close out on shooters and disrupt passing lanes was evident as they forced Baylor into several turnovers early on. Mark Mitchell, Duke’s versatile wing, was outstanding on defense, guarding multiple positions and adding an extra layer of difficulty for Baylor’s offense.

By the 10-minute mark of the first half, Duke had built a comfortable lead. They were up by double digits, 30-19, as they dominated the paint and were making an impressive 50% of their field goal attempts. At that point, Baylor seemed rattled, unable to find their rhythm, while Duke continued to pour on the pressure.

The Blue Devils kept the pressure up, using a combination of fast breaks, quick ball movement, and sharp shooting to stretch their lead even further. They closed the first half with a 45-28 advantage, shooting 52% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. Baylor, on the other hand, had no answers offensively. LJ Cryer, one of Baylor’s top scorers, struggled mightily, and the Bears’ offense was disjointed, failing to generate any consistent looks at the basket.

Second Half: Duke Cruises to Victory

Baylor’s chances of a comeback were all but extinguished in the second half as Duke came out firing once again. The Blue Devils continued to execute their game plan with precision, and the lead quickly ballooned to 20 points. Duke’s offense was clicking, and their defense was relentless.

While Baylor tried to make some adjustments, it was clear that they simply did not have the firepower to match Duke’s depth and talent. Even when Baylor attempted to mount a run, Duke responded with big plays, keeping them comfortably ahead.

Dereck Lively II, Duke’s towering center, was a key presence in the second half. His shot-blocking ability and rebounding kept Baylor from getting easy second-chance points. Lively, who had been a force in the paint throughout the tournament, finished with 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks. His ability to alter shots at the rim was a huge factor in Baylor’s inability to get easy baskets inside.

Meanwhile, Tyrese Proctor was steady throughout, continuing to facilitate the offense and score when needed. His 16 points and 7 assists were critical in Duke maintaining control of the game. Proctor’s ability to make smart decisions with the ball and create opportunities for others was one of the key reasons the Blue Devils were able to run Baylor out of the gym.

As the game entered its final minutes, Duke’s lead had grown to a near insurmountable 25 points. Baylor had no answers left, and the Blue Devils were simply too much for them on both ends of the floor. Duke cruised to an 83-61 victory, a dominant win that showcased their potential as one of the nation’s elite teams.

Key Performances

Kyle Filipowski (22 points, 9 rebounds): Filipowski was the standout player of the game, showing why he is considered one of the best forwards in the country. His ability to score both inside and from the perimeter made him nearly impossible to stop, and his presence on the glass helped Duke maintain control of the game.
Tyrese Proctor (16 points, 7 assists): Proctor continued his strong play from the previous round, serving as the floor general for Duke. His ability to make plays for his teammates while also contributing as a scorer was key in Duke’s offensive success.
Dereck Lively II (12 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks): Lively was a force in the paint, altering shots and grabbing key rebounds. His defense was crucial in limiting Baylor’s second-chance opportunities and protecting the rim.
Mark Mitchell (9 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals): Mitchell’s defense was vital, as he locked down multiple Baylor players and contributed to the Blue Devils’ suffocating defense.
Baylor’s Struggles: While Baylor had a few bright spots, such as Keontae George, who finished with 18 points, their offensive rhythm was thrown off by Duke’s defense. The Bears couldn’t find any consistency and were overwhelmed by Duke’s athleticism and depth.

What This Win Means for Duke

With this dominant victory, Duke has firmly established itself as one of the favorites to make a deep run in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The Blue Devils have all the tools needed to compete with the best teams in the country—an efficient offense, a stout defense, and a deep roster filled with talented players. Their win over Baylor not only shows their offensive firepower but also their ability to shut down high-scoring teams, which will be crucial as they progress further in the tournament.

Duke’s performance in the Round of 32 is a reminder of just how dangerous this team is. With the Sweet 16 now on the horizon, the Blue Devils will be looking to carry this momentum forward. They have all the makings of a championship contender: a star player in Filipowski, solid depth, and a coaching staff that knows how to get the most out of its players.

This win also solidifies Duke’s case as a top team in college basketball. If they can continue to execute their game plan and stay healthy, there’s little doubt that they can make a serious run at the national title.