Baylor vs Duke Picks and Prediction – 3/23/2025

On Sunday, the Baylor Bears (20-14) face off against the Duke Blue Devils (32-3) in the second round in the East Region of the March Madness Tournament. Get ready for the college basketball season with our college basketball picks.

Duke comes into this matchup on a twelve-game winning streak. In their commanding victory over Mount St. Mary’s, finishing with a score of 93-49 during the first round of the March Madness Tournament, Tyrese Proctor shone brightly for the Blue Devils by contributing 19 points. This season, Cooper Flagg has emerged as Duke’s top scorer, maintaining an impressive average of 18.9 points per game. Following him is Kon Knueppel, who holds the second spot with an average of 14.4 points per game. Flagg is also at the forefront in rebounding for Duke, averaging 7.5 rebounds, and he leads in assists with 4.1 per game. Throughout their last five matchups, Duke has consistently performed with an average scoring of 80 points per game. Looking to sustain their dominant performance, the Blue Devils aim to overpower Baylor right from the start. Overall, they boast a high-scoring average of 82.7 points per game this season.

Baylor enters this game on a one-game winning streak and has won three of their last five games. In an exciting 75-72 victory over Mississippi State during the first round of the March Madness Tournament, Robert Wright III made a significant impact by scoring 19 points for the Bears. This season, Norchad Omier has been a standout for Baylor, leading the team with an average of 15.9 points per game. Close behind is VJ Edgecombe, the second-leading scorer, who averages 15 points per game. Omier also dominates the boards, averaging 10.9 rebounds per game, making him a vital player in both scoring and defense. Robert Wright III not only contributes with points but also leads in assists, averaging 4.3 per game. Baylor has averaged 68.2 points over the last five games. The team’s defense has been a key factor in their success, a crucial element they’ll need to maintain as they face Duke in the second round. Overall, the Bears maintain an average of 75.5 points per game, showcasing their balanced approach on both offense and defense.

Baylor's offense must elevate its performance to effectively challenge Duke in every aspect of the game. Duke has earned its spot as the top seed in the East Region, and the team is eager to demonstrate its exceptional offensive skills in order to advance in the March Madness tournament. Meanwhile, Baylor's defense faces the formidable task of containing Duke's firepower to ensure the matchup remains competitive. Final Score Prediction, Duke Blue Devils win but fail to cover the spread, 77-71.