On March 23, 2025, the Oregon Ducks faced off against the Duke Blue Devils at the iconic Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina, in a crucial second-round NCAA Tournament matchup. With a spot in the Sweet 16 on the line, both teams were eager to stamp their ticket to progress further in the tournament.
Oregon, the No. 10 seed, entered the game with renewed momentum after a thrilling overtime victory against the No. 7 seed Vanderbilt, 77-73, just two days earlier. The Ducks had to overcome a daunting 19-point deficit in the fourth quarter during that match, showcasing their resilience and determination. "Oregon is looking to capitalize on its momentum after a significant win against Vanderbilt," one ESPN reporter noted ahead of the matchup.
As the game kicked off, the Ducks quickly established their confidence, taking an early lead. They shot an impressive 50% in the first half, while Duke struggled, managing only 35.7%. Oregon surged ahead with a 7-2 lead with 4:42 remaining in the first quarter. Throughout the opening minutes, Duke found itself facing a scoring drought that lasted over three minutes, allowing Oregon to find their rhythm.
Deja Kelly emerged as a critical factor for the Ducks, leading her team with nine points in the first half. Kelly's proficiency in scoring became evident as she helped Oregon hold a 28-23 lead at halftime. Meanwhile, Duke’s Reigan Richardson matched her with nine points, indicating that the game was anything but a walkover for either side. The intensity was palpable in the stadium as fans rallied behind their teams, knowing how much was at stake.
As the second half began, Duke wasted no time in attempting a comeback. The Blue Devils took the lead at 31-28 within three minutes of play, capitalizing on Oregon’s brief lapses in defensive focus. Despite their earlier struggles, Duke displayed their tenacity and skill that had earned them a robust season record and a Net ranking of 7th in the NCAA, averaging 74.3 points per game.
Oregon's success stemmed from their solid defensive strategies, which effectively disrupted Duke’s rhythm. Duke possesses a unique ability to dominate the paint, averaging almost 23 two-point baskets per game and leading the nation in several defensive stats. However, Oregon's defense, which allowed an average of just 63.2 points against them this season, proved effective in keeping the Blue Devils at bay.
Throughout the first meeting between these two teams since 2017 — the only other matchup had resulted in a stunning upset by Oregon during Sabrina Ionescu's freshman campaign — the weight of historical importance added to the anticipatory energy surrounding this game. Fans reflected on the potential for history to repeat itself as Oregon battled Duke once more.
As the Blue Devils adjusted their strategy for the second half, the Ducks aimed to maintain their lead and prove the naysayers wrong. The ESPN matchup predictor had given Oregon only a 7.8% chance to win, with BetMGM listing them at +14.5 on the spread. The odds were against them, but for the Ducks, belief in their abilities was strong. They emerged with a fighting spirit, fueled by their previous game’s excitement.
Heading into the second half, the stakes remained high, and the uncertainty of the outcome kept spectators on the edge of their seats. With Oregon leading 28-23 at the break, the question remained: could they withstand Duke's resurgence and clinch a historic upset?
As fans anticipated the second half unfolding, the calling for success resonated through Cameron Indoor Stadium. It wasn’t merely a game anymore; it was about pride, legacy, and the chance to advance in the NCAA Tournament. Oregon was determined to rewrite the narrative this time, and the stage was set with the promise of an intense battle to come.
Now, with both teams’ coaching staff reassessing their respective strategies during the halftime break, the reset was crucial. They would both search for ways to exploit their opponents' weaknesses while shoring up their defenses. With the game itself unfolding amidst roaring fans, this contest would not only determine which team earned their Sweet 16 spot but also cement the memory of this moment in the storied history of NCAA women's basketball.
As spectators were about to witness the pivotal second half, eyes were wide with anticipation. Would Oregon repeat history, ousting a higher seed once more, or would Duke reclaim control and assert their dominance as one of the tournament's elite? The countdown to the thrilling next chapter in this March Madness clash was on.
