Duke Holds Off Oregon: Back-to-Back Sweet 16 Appearances for Kara Lawson and Duke Women’s Basketball
In a thrilling display of grit, determination, and teamwork, the Duke Blue Devils women’s basketball team secured their place in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament for the second consecutive year. This victory, a hard-fought 68-61 win over Oregon, not only exemplified the growth and resilience of this squad but also showcased the excellence of Duke’s head coach, Kara Lawson, who is now leading the team to unprecedented heights in her early years at the helm.
The victory over Oregon was a testament to the Blue Devils’ ability to overcome adversity, showing the hallmark qualities of a team on the rise. It was a game that combined stellar individual performances, strategic coaching, and unrelenting defensive pressure. As the final buzzer sounded, sealing the victory, it was clear that Duke’s place among the nation’s elite women’s basketball programs was no longer in question. For Lawson, the journey to this point has been one of personal growth and achievement as well. Her leadership, after taking over as head coach in 2020, has helped transform Duke’s program into a perennial contender on the national stage.
One of the key components in the Blue Devils’ win was their defense. From the opening tip, Duke was locked in defensively, putting immense pressure on Oregon’s offensive set. The Ducks, known for their explosive offense and ability to spread the floor with sharpshooters, found themselves stifled at nearly every turn. The Blue Devils’ defensive scheme, led by assistant coach and former WNBA standout, encouraged aggressive ball pressure and constant movement to force Oregon into uncomfortable shooting situations.
Duke’s defense was a key factor in limiting Oregon’s high-scoring guard, Te-Hina Paopao, who was held to just 10 points in the game. While Paopao has been one of the most dynamic players in the country this season, the Blue Devils did a superb job of disrupting her rhythm. Duke’s defensive rotations were timely, and the team’s communication was on point, constantly closing out on shooters and contesting shots at the rim.
On the other side of the ball, the Blue Devils were equally impressive. While the offense wasn’t as fast-paced as Oregon’s, Duke capitalized on its size, strength, and experience to create mismatches that resulted in high-percentage scoring opportunities. With a starting lineup that includes players like Celeste Taylor and Shayeann Day-Wilson, both of whom possess an uncanny ability to drive to the basket and create shots for others, Duke made sure to attack the interior while also knocking down key three-pointers when the defense collapsed. Taylor and Day-Wilson combined for 34 points in the game, with Taylor contributing 20 points and 8 rebounds, playing a pivotal role in the team’s success.
Another major factor in Duke’s triumph was their ability to rebound. Oregon, despite their speed and shooting ability, struggled to match Duke’s physicality on the boards. Duke’s dominant rebounding performance, especially on the offensive glass, provided them with multiple second-chance opportunities that proved vital in the latter stages of the game. With players like Kennedy Brown contributing 7 rebounds, Duke’s commitment to attacking the boards was a crucial factor that allowed them to maintain control of the game, particularly during key stretches when Oregon seemed to be gaining momentum.
As the game progressed, Oregon was not about to go down without a fight. The Ducks, led by head coach Kelly Graves, mounted a series of runs to keep the game close. With standout performances from players like sophomore forward Sedona Prince, who provided a much-needed scoring boost, Oregon managed to trim Duke’s lead down to just a few points on several occasions. However, every time the Ducks made a run, Duke responded with poise, always managing to weather the storm and get crucial buckets when needed. This composure, which has been a hallmark of Lawson’s team since she took over, was on full display.
Lawson, in particular, played a pivotal role in guiding her team through the ebb and flow of the game. Known for her basketball IQ and ability to read situations as they unfold, Lawson’s ability to make in-game adjustments helped Duke to outlast Oregon. Her calm demeanor, combined with her attention to detail, allowed the team to maintain their focus in moments when the pressure was building. The Blue Devils remained unshaken in the face of adversity, and Lawson’s leadership was undoubtedly a driving force behind their success.
Duke’s transition from defense to offense was another area where the team excelled. The Blue Devils, particularly in the second half, were able to get out in transition and capitalize on Oregon’s mistakes. With Day-Wilson running the point guard position, Duke was able to push the ball up the floor quickly and efficiently, creating fast-break opportunities that caught Oregon off guard. The high tempo, mixed with their disciplined half-court offense, allowed the Blue Devils to keep the Ducks off-balance, never allowing Oregon to settle into a rhythm.
The victory over Oregon also marks a significant achievement for Coach Kara Lawson, who has now led her team to back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances in just her second season. Lawson’s journey as a coach has been an impressive one, having played for legendary programs like the University of Tennessee under Pat Summitt and the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, where she became a respected figure for her on-court intelligence. After transitioning into coaching, she quickly became known for her player development, leadership, and tactical acumen, which has been evident in Duke’s ascension.
In her brief time at Duke, Lawson has successfully revitalized the program. Her emphasis on player development, both mentally and physically, has translated into tangible success on the court. Lawson’s ability to connect with her players, build their confidence, and motivate them to push through challenges has created a culture of excellence at Duke. For the Blue Devils, making it to the Sweet 16 for a second straight year is a huge accomplishment and a sign that the program is back among the national elite.
Looking ahead, Duke’s journey is far from over. The team will now face even tougher competition in the upcoming rounds, and Lawson will undoubtedly be called upon to make the necessary adjustments to keep her team on track. However, with the depth, talent, and mental toughness on display, the Blue Devils have the potential to make a deep run in the tournament.
Duke’s continued success in the NCAA tournament speaks to the future of this program under Kara Lawson. After taking the reins just a few years ago, Lawson has already left an indelible mark on the program. The Blue Devils have the right mix of talent, coaching, and determination to continue challenging for championships in the seasons to come.
As for this season, Duke’s victory over Oregon was yet another reminder of their potential. The team’s ability to thrive in high-pressure situations, combined with Lawson’s leadership, makes them a formidable opponent for anyone. Whether or not Duke can continue their tournament run and eventually cut down the nets remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: under Kara Lawson, Duke women’s basketball is back on the map and poised for continued success. The Blue Devils are not only a force to be reckoned with now, but they are also a team with the potential to become a fixture in the national conversation for years to come.