Duke Blue Devils Survive Oregon Scare, Advance to Sweet Sixteen
The Duke Blue Devils are heading back to the Sweet Sixteen for the second year in a row, but their journey wasn’t without its trials. A tenacious Oregon Ducks squad, seeded tenth, pushed Kara Lawson’s program to the absolute brink in a thrilling second-round matchup of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. Sunday’s contest was a quintessential March Madness spectacle, overflowing with dramatic shifts in momentum, nail-biting tension, and a star performance that ultimately sealed the victory for the Blue Devils.
The absence of freshman standout Toby Fournier loomed large for Duke. Fournier, sidelined due to illness, left a noticeable void in Duke’s interior defense and rebounding presence. Oregon, capitalizing on this advantage, exploited their size, length, and overall athleticism to disrupt Duke’s rhythm early. Center Phillipina Kyei established herself as a force in the paint, providing a consistent scoring threat and dominating the boards. Guard Deja Kelly, a key component of Oregon’s offensive attack, complemented Kyei’s inside presence with her scoring prowess and playmaking ability.
The Ducks’ early dominance allowed them to build a five-point lead heading into halftime. Duke struggled to contain Oregon’s multifaceted attack and found difficulty establishing their own offensive flow. Lawson undoubtedly used the halftime break to regroup her team, emphasizing defensive adjustments and offensive strategies designed to exploit any weaknesses in Oregon’s armor.
Whatever adjustments were made in the locker room, they worked. The Duke team that emerged for the second half was a completely different beast. They played with a renewed sense of urgency, intensity, and precision. The catalyst for this transformation was guard Ashlon Jackson. Jackson exploded in the third and fourth quarters, becoming the undisputed star of the game for the Blue Devils. Her perimeter shooting, particularly her clutch three-pointers, proved to be the difference-maker.
Jackson’s initial spark came in the form of two consecutive three-pointers early in the third quarter, immediately erasing Oregon’s halftime advantage and injecting newfound energy into the Duke squad. Her offensive onslaught continued throughout the second half, as she consistently found ways to score, whether driving to the basket, pulling up for mid-range jumpers, or connecting from beyond the arc. The Ducks struggled to contain her, constantly finding themselves a step behind as she navigated the court with confidence and determination.
While Jackson’s scoring was crucial, it was her ability to hit timely shots that truly elevated Duke’s performance. With under two minutes remaining in the game and Duke clinging to a narrow 55-51 lead, Jackson delivered the knockout blow. She drilled a deep three-pointer, extending Duke’s lead to 58-51 with just a minute left on the clock. The shot was a testament to her composure under pressure and her unwavering belief in her abilities.
Following the crucial basket, Jackson couldn’t resist celebrating the moment. She unleashed a "night, night" celebration, a gesture popularized by NBA superstar Steph Curry to signify that a game is effectively over. The celebration was a fitting exclamation point to Jackson’s stellar performance and a clear signal that Duke was poised to advance.
Although Oregon attempted to mount a comeback in the final minute, Duke’s defense held strong, securing a hard-fought 59-53 victory. The Blue Devils demonstrated resilience, overcoming a slow start and the absence of a key player to secure their spot in the Sweet Sixteen.
The victory wasn’t solely about Jackson’s heroics. While she was the clear star of the game, several other Duke players made significant contributions. The defense, after a shaky first half, tightened up considerably, forcing Oregon into difficult shots and turnovers. Rebounding efforts improved, minimizing Oregon’s second-chance opportunities. And the overall team effort, characterized by unwavering determination and a refusal to quit, was essential to overcoming Oregon’s challenge.
For Oregon, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. They played with passion and intensity, showcasing their talent and potential. Kyei’s dominance in the paint and Kelly’s all-around performance were particularly noteworthy. Despite the defeat, the Ducks proved that they are a team to be reckoned with and have a bright future ahead. They exposed some vulnerabilities in Duke’s game, particularly in the interior defense, that Lawson and her staff will undoubtedly address as they prepare for the Sweet Sixteen.
The Blue Devils’ journey to the Sweet Sixteen has been a testament to their grit, resilience, and ability to overcome adversity. They faced a tough opponent in Oregon and had to dig deep to secure the victory. The experience will undoubtedly serve them well as they move forward in the tournament.
Now, Duke sets its sights on the next round, where they will face another formidable opponent. The Sweet Sixteen promises to be even more challenging, but the Blue Devils have proven that they are capable of competing with the best teams in the nation. With Jackson playing at a high level and the rest of the team stepping up to support her, Duke has the potential to make a deep run in this year’s NCAA Tournament. The road ahead will be tough, but the Blue Devils are ready to embrace the challenge and continue their quest for a national championship. The "night, night" celebration might just be a preview of things to come.
