Duke didn’t just beat Baylor Sunday—they dismantled them, rolling to a 20-point win in the NCAA Tournament’s second round, and Tyrese Proctor was the flamethrower who lit it up. The veteran guard dropped 25 points, including seven threes, shooting a ridiculous 9-for-10 from the field, and now the Blue Devils are Sweet 16-bound with a swagger that’s turning heads. After Cooper Flagg’s return from injury, this was the statement Duke needed—are they the team to cut down the nets?
Step into the game—Proctor catches a pass in the corner, pump-fakes a defender into next week, and drills a three that pushes the lead to double digits. Baylor’s guards, usually a strength, couldn’t touch him; he was a one-man highlight reel, splashing shots from everywhere and running the offense like a maestro. Flagg chipped in with a steady 15 points and eight boards, but this was Proctor’s night—he’s now got 13 triples in two tourney games, a Duke record for the opening rounds. The Bears fought early, but Duke’s 50% shooting and suffocating D buried them by halftime.
This isn’t just a hot streak—Duke’s got the pieces clicking at the right time. Flagg’s the future No. 1 pick, sure, but Proctor’s proving he’s the glue, a vet who can take over when it counts. Baylor’s backcourt—VJ Edgecombe and company—had no answers, and their lack of size inside let Duke dominate the paint too. Fans online are buzzing, calling this the most complete Blue Devils squad since Zion’s days, and it’s hard to argue—defense, depth, and a sharpshooter who’s feeling it.
Next up’s the Sweet 16, and Duke’s looking like a buzzsaw that could slice through anyone. Baylor was a test—they’ve got talent and grit—but Proctor turned it into a laugher. If he keeps shooting like this and Flagg keeps growing, April’s in sight. March Madness loves a team that peaks late, and Duke’s timing couldn’t be better.
