In a highly anticipated college basketball event, the SentinelOne Classic at Madison Square Garden, No. 10 Baylor and No. 21 Duke faced off in a game that was nationally televised on ESPN with a 7 p.m. ET tip-off. The matchup, which took place on Wednesday, featured top-tier freshmen and was crucial for both teams to gain momentum as they head into 2024. Early in the game, Duke showed dominance on the boards with 4 offensive rebounds compared to Baylor's total of 3 boards and led to an early 18-8 advantage. Baylor, however, was plagued by 3 turnovers and struggled defensively in the halfcourt. Despite these challenges, Baylor's Yves Missi became a significant presence, contributing blocks, points, and rebounds, which helped Baylor close the gap. At the first media timeout, the score was 11-5 in favor of Duke, and before halftime, the game was tied at 28-28. Baylor managed to recover from a 19-point deficit, trailing 34-32 at halftime after a 9-0 run, highlighted by Missi's alleyoop attempt, block, and upcoming free throws.
Bears fight back on the back of Yves Missi and trail 34-32 against Duke at halftime after trailing by 10 early.
Bears fight back on the back of Yves Missi and trail 34-32 against Duke at halftime after trailing by 19 early.
Blue Devils missed seven of eight shots and their 10-point lead went bye-bye. Now tied at 28 with Baylor. 3:32 until halftime. Yves Missi is a problem in the paint for the Blue Devils. Baylor big man is having big impact
Missi making a statement in this half with another dominant block. Tie game with under 4-minutes to go. Bears responding this time to a slow start.
It is Yves Missi time!!! Two out backs, last 7-points and a big block. Bears down just 1 on a 9-0 run.
Yves Missi nearly slams down another alleyoop but the best part of the play was that he was on the floor at the other end. Missi popped up after deflecting a shot and hustling to get paid off on offense. He was fouled instead. Timeout on the floor. Baylor 18 | Duke 26 | 7:33 H1
Timeout on the floor, Baylor trails 26-18, but Yves Missi will have two free throws upcoming after the break. There's 7:33 left in the half.
Duke has more offensive rebounds (4) than Baylor has total boards (3). It's 10-3 overall on the boards.
Duke just a step quicker than Baylor early on here at the Garden. Getting to offensive rebounds, getting to loose balls, guards beating their man off the bounce. Baylor struggling in the halfcourt defensively.
Duke defending with a lot of purpose and energy tonight. Long way to go but up 18-8 early on Baylor at MSG.
It's 11-5, Duke, at the first media timeout. Baylor's turnover problems continue, they've got three already, and they're just careless stuff.
🏀 Tip-off in a few hours at @TheGarden! The SentinelOne Classic with @BaylorMBB and @DukeMBB, let's go! 👏 https://t.co/Em7d4QTAVy
Duke and Baylor square off at Madison Square Garden in a matchup featuring stud freshmen and two teams looking to generate momentum entering 2024. My latest for @sportingnews with props and a FREE pick: https://t.co/4m8mbfomaX
🏀Presenting the SentinelOne Classic at @TheGarden! On Wednesday, college basketball powerhouses No. 10 @BaylorMBB and No. 21 @DukeMBB will tip off at 7 p.m. ET in a nationally televised game on @espn. https://t.co/dRnE4t8wv6