Duke Triumphs Over Baylor in Thrilling Madison Square Garden Showdown

by

Dec 21, 2023

In a thrilling matchup at Madison Square Garden, the Duke Blue Devils clashed with the Baylor Bears in a showdown that had basketball fans on the edge of their seats. The world’s most famous arena played host to this clash of titans, and Duke emerged victorious with a final score of 78 to 70. The Blue Devils covered the spread as a 2.5-point favorite, making their fans proud.

For Duke, this win was more than just a notch in the victory column. Prior to this game, they had struggled against high-major conference competition, boasting only one win against a struggling Michigan State team. However, their triumph over Baylor, a top-10 team, on a neutral floor signaled a promising start as they prepared to enter ACC play.

Duke’s success was attributed to their well-rounded game plan. They dominated in the paint, shooting close to 50% from the floor as a team. Their ability to draw fouls and capitalize on free throws was also instrumental in their victory, making 83% of their 29 attempts from the charity stripe. Controlling the game on neutral courts often boils down to these fundamental aspects.

While Baylor showcased their prowess from beyond the arc, shooting close to 45% from three-point range, they attempted only 18 shots from downtown. Duke managed to limit their opponent’s opportunities beyond the arc, which played a significant role in securing the win.

The game itself was a nail-biter, with both teams giving it their all. The contest remained close throughout the second half, delivering an enjoyable spectacle for basketball enthusiasts.

For Duke, this victory was not only a triumph for their team but also a significant boost for the ACC. As they look ahead to conference play, they do so with newfound confidence and momentum.

On the other hand, the Baylor Bears find themselves on a two-game losing streak. They will need to regroup and find their rhythm as they strive to bounce back from this setback and remain a formidable force in college basketball.

With this win, Duke showcased their resilience and determination, leaving their mark on the hardwood of Madison Square Garden and setting the stage for an exciting journey through the ACC. Basketball fans can’t wait to see how the rest of the season unfolds for these two powerhouse teams.

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Thumbnail photo via John Jones-USA TODAY Sports

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