Duke Blue Devils vs Baylor Bears Picks and Predictions March 23rd 2025

Duke Faces Old Friend Jeremy Roach in NCAA Showdown with Baylor

Top-seeded Duke will face a unique challenge in its NCAA Tournament second-round game against ninth-seeded Baylor on Sunday afternoon in Raleigh, N.C. The game has an added layer of intrigue as former Duke guard Jeremy Roach will now suit up for the Bears, bringing a familiar face back to haunt the Blue Devils.

Roach, who played a pivotal role in Duke’s 2022 Final Four team, opted to transfer to Baylor for his final college season. His familiarity with the Duke system could give Baylor a strategic advantage.

“I coached him for four years, two as an assistant, two as a head coach,” Duke coach Jon Scheyer said. “He’s given Duke everything he has.”

Contrasting Victories in the First Round

Both teams advanced with vastly different results on Friday’s first round in the East Region. Baylor barely survived eighth-seeded Mississippi State with a 75-72 win, while Duke dismantled Mount St. Mary’s in a 93-49 blowout.

The Blue Devils were dominant from the start, especially with star freshman Cooper Flagg back in the lineup after recovering from an ankle injury. Flagg played over 22 minutes, scoring 14 points in the 44-point rout.

“I was just making sure he wasn’t pacing,” Scheyer said. “Obviously giving him a few extra minutes, I’m sure that’s going to be helpful for Sunday.”

Duke’s New Faces vs. Baylor’s Familiar Approach

Duke’s current lineup features four newcomers, while junior guard Tyrese Proctor remains as one of the few familiar faces from past seasons. For Proctor, facing Roach will be bittersweet.

“He’s my boy,” Proctor said. “He’s family and it’s going to be great.”

Baylor coach Scott Drew acknowledged that Roach’s knowledge of Duke’s game plan could be useful.

“I’m sure we’re going to pick his brain,” Drew said. “At the end of the day, though, I know he loves Duke and had a great experience.”

For Baylor forward Norchad Omier, who previously faced Duke during his time at Miami, the game feels like a reunion. Meanwhile, there’s a nostalgic twist as former Montverde Academy teammates Cooper Flagg and Robert Wright III go head-to-head.

NCAA Basketball Picks and Predictions:
Get expert analysis and betting insights on our NCAA Basketball Picks and Predictions page.

Follow the Madness, Bet Like a Pro

Get Access

Get Free Trial

High Stakes and Intense Rivalry

Baylor’s narrow escape against Mississippi State marked another addition to their list of tight wins. The Bears have been through their share of close games, and Wright believes it’s prepared them for the tough road ahead.

“I think it definitely gets us ready for a (No.) 1 seed and able to go out there and compete,” Wright said.

Duke, on the other hand, broke a school record with 21 assists and just two turnovers in their dominant win on Friday. The impressive assist-to-turnover ratio marked the best single-game performance in program history.

“Just play our game,” Proctor said. “We’ve said the whole year, no matter who we play, just play our game.”

Prediction and Betting Tips

Duke’s offensive firepower, especially with Cooper Flagg back at full strength, will test Baylor’s resilience. However, the Bears’ familiarity with Jeremy Roach and their experience in close games could make this matchup more competitive than expected.

Prediction: Duke 81, Baylor 72
Best Bet: Duke -8.5

For the latest updates on NCAA Tournament odds and expert predictions, visit our NCAA Basketball Betting Guide page.

Stay Informed:
Stay ahead of every game with live updates, expert analysis, and the latest odds on our NCAA Basketball Blog page.