In a riveting display of resilience, No. 7 Duke orchestrated a stunning comeback against No. 2 Ohio State, securing a thrilling 75-63 victory and advancing to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2018 in the women’s tournament.
Initially, Ohio State dominated proceedings, establishing a commanding lead that stretched to 16 points in the first half. Despite Duke’s struggles, they refused to succumb, narrowing the deficit to 36-32 by halftime.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the second half as Duke emerged with renewed vigor. With 1:22 remaining in the third quarter, the Blue Devils staged an improbable turnaround, seizing control of the game.
Displaying remarkable composure, they matched Ohio State shot for shot, eventually establishing a decisive six-point lead with just over four minutes left. Led by standout performer Reigan Richardson, who amassed a team-high 28 points, Duke’s relentless determination propelled them to victory.
Richardson’s stellar performance, coupled with contributions from other key players, underscored Duke’s depth and resilience. Notably, she demonstrated exceptional accuracy, sinking all three of her attempted three-pointers while also showcasing defensive prowess with three steals.
Duke’s triumph marked their second consecutive comeback victory after trailing at halftime, signaling their emergence as formidable contenders in the tournament.
With their sights set on further advancement, Duke now awaits the winner of the matchup between No. 6 Syracuse and No. 3 UConn in the Sweet 16. Their resounding victory not only secured their progress but also injected a new sense of unpredictability into the tournament, setting the stage for further enthralling matchups and potential upsets.