Duke Women’s Basketball Clinches Regular-Season Title with Dominant Win Over Wake Forest
In a thrilling and decisive matchup that capped off a remarkable regular-season campaign, Duke Women’s Basketball delivered a statement performance, defeating Wake Forest 93-60. The victory not only secured a dominant win but also clinched a share of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) regular-season title, adding another significant achievement to an already stellar season.
A Dominant Performance
From the opening tip, the Blue Devils showed their intent to dominate, racing out to an early lead and never looking back. The team was firing on all cylinders offensively, with five players finishing in double figures—a testament to their depth and unselfish ball movement. The offensive explosion was led by standout guard Flagg, who scored an impressive 28 points, proving once again why she is one of the most dangerous players in the conference.
Flagg’s offensive brilliance was complemented by the stellar contributions of her teammates. Smith added 17 points, Johnson chipped in with 14, while Baker and Williams each scored 12 points. The balanced scoring effort made it nearly impossible for Wake Forest to keep up, as Duke capitalized on every opportunity to extend their lead.
The Blue Devils’ offensive flow was impressive, with an up-tempo pace that left the Demon Deacons scrambling to keep up. The ball movement was crisp and decisive, leading to open looks from all over the floor. Duke shot an outstanding 50% from the field and 42% from beyond the arc, with timely three-pointers further widening the gap. Wake Forest simply had no answer for the Blue Devils’ offensive firepower.
Flag’s Unstoppable Performance
While the entire team contributed to the blowout victory, Flagg’s 28-point performance was the standout individual effort of the night. Her ability to score from all areas of the floor was on full display. Whether it was driving to the basket with finesse or knocking down crucial three-pointers, she was a constant threat to the Demon Deacons’ defense. Her offensive display was punctuated by several highlight-worthy plays, including an impressive fast-break layup and a smooth three-pointer late in the game that brought the fans to their feet.
Flagg’s performance was more than just scoring, though. She also facilitated the offense, collecting 6 assists and helping create scoring opportunities for her teammates. Her leadership on both ends of the floor was evident, as she played a crucial role in pushing Duke to a win that solidified their place at the top of the ACC standings.
Balanced Scoring and Defensive Tenacity
While the offense was firing on all cylinders, the Blue Devils’ defense was just as impressive. Wake Forest struggled to find consistent rhythm against Duke’s suffocating defensive pressure. The Blue Devils forced 18 turnovers, capitalizing on them to fuel their fast-break offense. Jackson and Davis, in particular, were outstanding in disrupting passing lanes and forcing tough shots, adding to Duke’s defensive dominance.
Duke’s defense also excelled in controlling the glass, out-rebounding Wake Forest 44-30. Williams led the charge on the boards, grabbing 9 rebounds, while Smith chipped in with 7 of her own. This ability to control the boards was a crucial factor in limiting Wake Forest’s second-chance opportunities and further setting the tone for Duke’s fast-paced, aggressive style of play.
A Historic Regular-Season Title
With the victory, Duke not only took down Wake Forest in resounding fashion but also secured a share of the ACC regular-season title. The Blue Devils’ strong finish to the regular season marked an impressive accomplishment in a year full of milestones. While there are still challenges ahead in the ACC Tournament, this victory proved that Duke is firmly in the mix for both conference and national supremacy.
As Head Coach Kara Lawson noted after the game, “This team has worked incredibly hard all season, and tonight’s win is a culmination of that effort. Every player contributed to this victory, and it’s a testament to the unselfishness and commitment that this team has shown all year long. Climbing to the top of the ACC standings is a huge achievement, but we know there is still more work to do.”
Looking Ahead: The ACC Tournament and Beyond
With the regular season now officially in the books, Duke will shift its focus to the upcoming ACC Tournament. This victory over Wake Forest solidified their position as one of the top teams in the conference, but the competition will only get tougher from here. The Blue Devils are a force to be reckoned with, but they know that the road to an ACC Tournament title, and potentially a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, won’t be easy.
As for Flagg, her performance in this game will only enhance her case as one of the conference’s most dynamic players heading into postseason play. With her leadership, scoring ability, and all-around contributions, she is poised to play a key role in any success Duke achieves in the postseason.
With the regular-season title now secured, Duke can head into the ACC Tournament with confidence, knowing that they have the talent and chemistry necessary to make a serious run for the championship. Whether it’s their fast-paced offense, lockdown defense, or the depth of their roster, the Blue Devils are primed for success as they chase postseason glory.