Duke and Baylor Set for NCAA Tournament Second-Round Rematch

Baylor enters Durham confident it can match Duke’s physical style ahead of their NCAA Tournament second-round meeting. The teams will renew their rivalry Sunday at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The game revisits a season-opening bout played in Paris on Nov. 3.

Earlier meeting in Paris

Baylor won the first encounter 58-52 in France. The Bears limited Duke to 29 percent shooting in that game. Guard Taliah Scott led Baylor’s attack with 24 points.

Season arcs and momentum

Baylor owns a 25-8 record and began the season 19-3. The Bears climbed to No. 7 in the AP poll but faded late and lost in the Big 12 quarterfinals to Colorado.

Duke is also 25-8. The Blue Devils endured a 3-6 start and fell out of the Top 25. They then won 22 of 24 games and captured the ACC title.

Roster developments and impact players

Duke’s Arianna Roberson missed the Paris contest after rehabbing a knee injury last season. She now provides a scoring and rebounding lift off the bench. Her averages are 8.2 points and 5.6 rebounds in 17.2 minutes.

Coach Kara Lawson believes the team has grown. She pointed to added experience and the emergence of young players. Duke now starts two sophomores and uses a freshman as a primary reserve.

Injury blow for Baylor

Baylor will be without freshman guard Marcayla Johnson for the rest of the season. She tore her ACL in practice last week and had appeared in all 32 games before the tournament.

Johnson averaged 4.4 points and 2.2 rebounds and ranked sixth on the team in minutes at 17.7. Coach Nicki Collen said the roster is rallying around her leadership and competitive spirit.

Stakes and next steps

The winner advances to the Sweet 16 in Sacramento. The victor will meet either No. 2 LSU or No. 7 Texas Tech. This NCAA Tournament second-round rematch carries regional and momentum implications for both programs.

Reporting and coverage provided by Filmogaz.com.