In a thrilling showdown at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night, No. 21 Duke triumphed over No. 10 Baylor with a late 14-1 run, securing a 78-70 victory. The Blue Devils showcased a balanced offensive effort, with all five starters scoring in double figures, led by freshman standout Jared McCain's game-high 21 points. The win not only marked a significant victory for Duke but also highlighted the mental toughness and defensive prowess that has become a hallmark of the program.
First Half Action:
Duke set the tone early in the game, with Jared McCain, Jeremy Roach, and Mark Mitchell contributing to an early lead. McCain's impressive nine points in the first half helped Duke maintain a slim 34-32 advantage at halftime. However, Baylor mounted a comeback, using a 9-0 run to draw within one point, showcasing the competitive nature of the matchup.
Second Half Surge:
The second half featured a back-and-forth battle, with Baylor briefly taking the lead with a 48-42 advantage. Duke responded with a resilient effort, led by McCain and Caleb Foster, reclaiming the lead with a 57-54 advantage. The game's turning point came with a 14-1 run by the Blue Devils, securing the 78-70 win.
Key Performances:
Jared McCain's outstanding performance included 21 points on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting, showcasing his scoring prowess from both mid-range and beyond the arc. Jeremy Roach contributed 18 points, continuing his impressive three-point shooting streak, while Mark Mitchell, Kyle Filipowski, and Caleb Foster also reached double figures.
Historical Significance:
The victory holds historical significance for Duke, as it improved to 2-0 all-time against Baylor and marked the first win over a top-10 opponent since November 2021. Head coach Jon Scheyer secured his first top-10 victory of his coaching career, emphasizing the team's mental toughness and defensive excellence.
Quotable Moments:
Head coach Jon Scheyer praised his team's mental toughness down the stretch, highlighting the program's tradition of resilience. Senior Jeremy Roach acknowledged the importance of the win against a formidable opponent like Baylor, emphasizing the team's collective effort and leadership.
Looking Ahead:
With this momentum-building win, Duke looks ahead to its final non-conference game of the season against Queens on December 30 at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils aim to continue their winning streak and carry the positive energy into the conference play.
Conclusion:
Duke's thrilling victory over Baylor at Madison Square Garden showcased the team's resilience, mental toughness, and balanced offensive prowess. With significant contributions from multiple players, the Blue Devils secured a memorable win, marking a pivotal moment in the season and setting the stage for continued success in the competitive world of college basketball.
