No. 7 Duke pulled off a stunning upset over No. 2 Ohio State in the women’s tournament, winning 75-63 and advancing to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2018. Despite trailing by double digits in the first half and going 11 minutes without a basket, Duke managed to cut Ohio State’s lead to 36-32 by halftime. In the second half, the Blue Devils came out strong and took the lead with 1:22 left in the third quarter, never looking back.
Despite the precarious feeling of a lower seed leading a top seed, Duke remained confident and matched Ohio State shot for shot. With a six-point lead their biggest of the game with just over four minutes left, the Blue Devils continued to extend their lead, leaving Ohio State unable to gain any breathing room. Duke had three players scoring in double digits, with Reigan Richardson leading the team with 28 points on 11-for-18 shooting and making all three 3-pointers she attempted. Richardson has scored a total of 58 points over the first two games of the tournament.
This game marks the second consecutive comeback victory for Duke, as they also trailed at halftime against No. 10 Richmond in the first round before coming back to win. In both games, the Blue Devils showed resilience and determination, changing the course of the tournament each time. Duke’s next challenge will be facing the winner of the No. 6 Syracuse vs. No. 3 UConn game, which is scheduled for Monday evening at 6 p.m. ET.
Duke’s victory over Ohio State was a significant upset in the women’s tournament, as No. 7 seed outperformed expectations to defeat the No. 2 seed. Despite a strong start by Ohio State, Duke managed to claw back from a double-digit deficit in the first half and eventually take control of the game in the second half. The Blue Devils displayed composure and confidence throughout the game, matching Ohio State shot for shot and extending their lead to secure the win.
Reigan Richardson emerged as a standout player for Duke, leading the team with 28 points and showcasing her shooting prowess by making all three 3-pointers she attempted. Richardson’s stellar performance in both scoring and defense contributed significantly to Duke’s victory and highlighted her importance to the team’s success in the tournament. Duke’s ability to rely on multiple players for scoring and contributions across the board bodes well for their continued success in the Sweet 16 and beyond.
Duke’s resilience and ability to come back from halftime deficits in consecutive games demonstrate their determination and competitiveness in the tournament. The Blue Devils have shown that they have the grit and skill to overcome adversity and emerge victorious against higher-seeded opponents. With their impressive performance against Ohio State, Duke has set the stage for an exciting matchup in the Sweet 16 and positioned themselves as a team to watch as the tournament progresses. The Blue Devils’ success in the tournament reflects their hard work and determination to make a deep run and compete for a championship title.
