In an exciting display of resilience and skill, the 10th-seeded Oregon Ducks triumphed over the 7th-seeded Vanderbilt with a thrilling 77-73 overtime victory in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on March 21, 2025. The Ducks, led by standout players Deja Kelly and Peyton Scott, demonstrated remarkable determination despite almost surrendering a substantial lead. Now, as they turn their sights to facing the No. 2 seed Duke in the second round, the stakes are even higher.
As the Ducks prepare for their upcoming matchup, Kelly, along with coach Kelly Graves and fellow guard Scott addressed the media, reflecting on their hard-fought victory and the challenges that lie ahead. Kelly, who carried her team with 20 points against Vanderbilt, stated, “That was a hell of a game. I’m really proud of our team. Before the game, I talked about our grit and our toughness.” Graves echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the importance of resilience in high-stakes matchups.
Looking ahead, the Ducks will face Duke on March 23, 2025, at 9 AM at the iconic Cameron Indoor Stadium, a place that holds special meaning for Kelly, who once played there as a Tar Heel for the University of North Carolina. The crowd promises to be raucous, particularly as Kelly is expected to receive a frosty reception from Blue Devil fans, who have not forgotten her past rivalry with Duke.
“I’m used to it at this point,” Kelly remarked about the boos from the audience. “I think we’ll feed off that chirping and energy.” This game marks Kelly's return to the venue where she shone in her previous seasons, averaging 12 points per game against Duke during her time at UNC.
The matchup beckons with historical significance, mirroring a remarkable upset that took place nearly a decade ago. In 2017, Oregon, also a 10th seed, shocked the second-seeded Duke Blue Devils, a pivotal moment that propelled Oregon basketball into the national spotlight. Back then, the Ducks were led by rising stars Sabrina Ionescu and Ruthy Hebard. Coach Graves is keenly aware of the parallels, stating, “That was the start of our women’s basketball program in a lot of ways. It kind of put us on the map.”
In their recent win over Vanderbilt, the Ducks showcased a strong performance, shooting 50% from the field. Oregon controlled the boards with a 16-14 rebounding advantage, although they faced challenges with turnovers, committing eight in the first half. Still, their ability to pull through in the clutch secured their victory.
As they face Duke, the Ducks will have to elevate their game, especially against a squad boasting formidable interior players and forcing over 20 turnovers per game. Duke's leading scorer, freshman Toby Fournier, presents a significant challenge, averaging 13.4 points per game alongside teammates Ashlon Jackson and Oluchi Okananwa, who also average in double figures.
Oregon’s key to success lies in maintaining offensive efficiency and minimizing turnovers, allowing them to exploit Duke’s defensive pressure. With Kelly and Scott both capable scorers, the Ducks have an opportunity to stage another upset, continuing their momentum from the matchup against Vanderbilt.
As the Ducks gear up for this crucial game, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. They seek to not only advance in the tournament but also reclaim their historic narrative of triumph against one of the country’s premier programs. With stakes this high, the battle between Oregon and Duke promises to be a riveting encounter.
