Returning from a holiday road trip, the Blue Devils demonstrated an unrelenting performance on both ends of the court, securing a commanding 69-31 victory over the Panthers in their Sunday clash. Despite missing key player Toby Fournier, Duke showcased resilience and defensive prowess that left Pittsburgh struggling to keep pace.

A Masterclass in Defense and Teamwork

Early Momentum and Key Milestones

The game began with an immediate surge from Duke. Reigan Richardson, needing just 11 points to reach her career milestone of 1,000 points, quickly made strides toward this achievement. Her early jumpers not only gave Duke an initial advantage but also set the tone for what would become a dominant performance. The Charlotte native’s contributions were pivotal as she led the team with 13 points.Pittsburgh attempted to respond, stepping up its defensive pressure after the first quarter media break. A turnover and transition score tied the game at nine, signaling a brief moment of resistance. However, Duke’s response was swift and decisive. Blocks by Delaney Thomas and Jordan Wood shifted momentum back to the Blue Devils. Vanessa de Jesus capitalized with a three-pointer, sparking a 17-point unanswered run that extended into the second quarter, establishing an 18-point lead.

Interior Control and Defensive Tenacity

Even without the presence of Toby Fournier, Duke maintained control in the paint. The Panthers managed only eight points inside before halftime, forced to take difficult perimeter shots. Pittsburgh struggled with efficiency, shooting a mere 10% from beyond the arc in the first half. This defensive dominance was highlighted by Richardson, who noted the team’s renewed focus on returning to their signature defensive style.Duke’s ability to force turnovers and capitalize on them became evident in the second quarter. Ashlon Jackson intercepted a pass, leading to a layup by Wood in transition. Okananwa added an and-one play, while Wood’s block on a three-point attempt by MaKayla Elmore resulted in a shot-clock violation for Pittsburgh. By halftime, Duke had built a substantial 38-15 lead, holding Pittsburgh to its lowest scoring output through the break this season.

Second-Half Surge and Unwavering Focus

The third quarter saw Richardson achieve her 1,000th career point off a midrange jumper following a steal. Duke’s defense tightened further, with Pittsburgh committing six turnovers in the first five minutes alone. Mikayla Johnson, averaging nearly 10 points per game, struggled against the relentless defense of Jadyn Donovan and Jordan Wood, scoring just four points on 1-of-14 shooting.Khadija Faye briefly broke the scoring drought for Pittsburgh with two lay-ins, but it was too little, too late. Faye fouled out with over five minutes remaining, having scored 17 points. Meanwhile, Duke continued to distribute the ball effectively in the fourth quarter. Donovan hit a jumper, followed by a three-pointer from Wood. Emma Koabel finished the night with a well-rounded offensive display, hitting from distance.

Coach Lawson's Reflection on the Victory

Head coach Kara Lawson praised her team’s defensive endurance, noting they were one point away from achieving single-digit scoring quarters throughout the game. “It was a solid defensive performance, and I’m really pleased with how we sustained our efforts regardless of the margin,” Lawson said. The win marked a crucial 2-0 start in the ACC for Duke, setting the stage for their upcoming matchup against No. 17 North Carolina in Chapel Hill.