DURHAM, N.C. – In a thrilling contest on Sunday afternoon, Duke junior Ashlon Jackson led the Blue Devils to a 59-53 victory over the Oregon Ducks in the second round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. Jackson's performance, which included five three-pointers, saw her score 19 of her total 20 points in the second half, a crucial factor that propelled the second-seeded Blue Devils into the Sweet 16 for the 19th time in program history and for the second consecutive season.
Jackson's hot hand ignited a spectacular turnaround after Duke faced significant adversity. The Blue Devils started the game slow, trailing 12-9 at the end of the first quarter and 28-23 at halftime. The scoring effort from Jackson was complemented by senior Reigan Richardson, who chipped in 13 points and six rebounds, and Delaney Thomas, who contributed 12 points and six rebounds of her own.
Despite Oregon’s strong early game, highlighted by Deja Kelly's team-high 20 points and Phillipina Kyei’s dominant presence in the paint with 14 points and 13 rebounds, the Ducks were unable to maintain their advantage. Oregon's size advantage initially paid off, as Kyei utilized her 6-foot-8 frame to attack the post effectively. Kelly started strong too, putting up impressive shots that helped the Ducks secure their lead going into the half.
The turning point came in the third quarter, as Jackson ignited an 11-0 run for Duke, giving them their first lead of the game. Her three-pointers rekindled the energy on the Blue Devil bench and excited the home crowd at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Jackson concluded the quarter with 14 points, demonstrating not only shooting prowess but also a pivotal defensive contribution. When asked about her performance, she stated, "I got tired of missing. It's simple... It was a great thing to see the ball go in." This provided a much-needed boost for Duke after a frustrating first half where they shot a mere 36% from the floor.
As the game progressed, Duke sought to extend their lead, at one point pushing it to a ten-point advantage. However, Oregon fought back fiercely, with Kelly continuing to score and cut the deficit. At one point, the Ducks reduced the Blue Devils' lead to just one point, 49-48, with just under six minutes remaining. The teams exchanged scoring possessions, each eager to gain the upper hand. Yet, critical plays by Duke, particularly Jackson's clutch three-pointer and Thomas’s foul shots, helped solidify the lead once more.
Ultimately, Duke's defense proved to be the decisive factor in maintaining their final score. As the clock ticked down, the Blue Devils closed out the game by executing a series of smart plays, including forcing an Oregon turnover. Jackson hit 1-of-2 free throws, extending the lead to six points, virtually sealing the victory. The Ducks’ attempts to close the final gap fell short, highlighted by missed shots from both Kelly and Kyei in crucial moments.
Duke (28-7) celebrated a well-earned victory against a determined Oregon squad (20-12) and now looks forward to their upcoming match in the Regional Semifinal of the Birmingham 2 Region, where they will take on the winner between the No. 3-seed North Carolina and No. 6-seed West Virginia. Coach Kara Lawson expressed her pride in her team's effort, noting the difficulty of achieving back-to-back Sweet 16 berths: "It was a gritty game. It's hard to go to back-to-back Sweet 16s. It's not something that a lot of programs are able to do."
As the 2024-25 season marks the 50th anniversary of Duke women's basketball, the Blue Devils’ win is not just a path to continued success in the tournament but also a celebration of a rich history in athletics and academics. The program reflects an enduring legacy of sisterhood, championships, and notable achievements over the decades.
