Duke Advances After Defeating Baylor in NCAA Tournament

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Tyrese Proctor scored 25 points, including seven 3-pointers, leading No. 1 seed Duke to a resounding 89-66 victory over Baylor in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday.

Proctor’s stellar performance, where he hit 7 of 8 shots from beyond the arc, was crucial for the Blue Devils as they continue their pursuit of a national title. This marks Proctor’s third consecutive game scoring at least six 3-pointers and displays his importance to the team’s success.

“Just trying to play my game and help my teammates,” Proctor said after the game. “The shots were falling today, and we played really well as a team.”

Freshman standout Cooper Flagg also contributed significantly, recording 18 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. His all-around play helped Duke establish a solid lead early in the game, providing a cushion that Baylor struggled to overcome.

In the loss, Baylor’s V.J. Edgecombe scored 16 points, but it was not enough to keep pace with Duke’s high-octane offense. The Bears fell behind quickly and were never able to mount a serious comeback.

The Blue Devils will face either Oregon or Arizona in the Sweet 16 on Thursday in Newark, New Jersey. Coach Jon Scheyer expressed confidence in his team’s ability to advance deeper into the tournament.

“This is just the beginning for us,” Scheyer said. “We have to focus on the next game and continue playing at this level.”

Duke, a traditional powerhouse in college basketball, remains one of the favorites to win the national championship, and their performance against Baylor solidifies their status as a legitimate contender.