In a stunning turnaround that will be remembered as the moment when they believed in their grit, Duke’s women’s basketball team erased a 14-point deficit to beat NC State 76-62, capturing their first ACC Tournament title since 2013. The Blue Devils’ journey to the championship was nothing short of extraordinary, as they took down the #1 team, Notre Dame, in a thrilling semifinal on Saturday, before coming from behind to beat the #2 Wolfpack on Sunday. The victory, which saw Duke outscore NC State by 17 points in the second half, marks the culmination of a season where Coach Kara Lawson’s squad proved they are not only resilient but capable of defeating the best teams in the nation.
A Rocky Start, Then a Historic Turnaround
The game started with a familiar struggle for Duke. NC State jumped out to a commanding 7-0 lead, and the Blue Devils appeared to be in trouble. The Wolfpack’s fast-paced offense and aggressive defense rattled Duke, who couldn’t find their rhythm early. By the second quarter, NC State had stretched their lead to 24-12, and things looked bleak for Duke, especially after a season that saw them endure several tough losses, including to teams like NC State and North Carolina in the regular season.
However, the Blue Devils refused to back down. Led by a resilient defensive effort and timely scoring from multiple players, Duke slowly chipped away at the deficit. By halftime, the Blue Devils had cut the Wolfpack’s lead to 36-29, but it was in the second half where they truly found their stride.
The Iconic Second Half
Duke’s third quarter was nothing short of spectacular, as they outscored NC State 24-10. From there, the Blue Devils never looked back, surging ahead 53-46. The team’s defensive intensity and dominance on the boards began to take a toll on the Wolfpack, and by the fourth quarter, Duke had firmly established control. They finished the game by outscoring NC State 23-16 in the final period, clinching a comfortable 76-62 victory.
What stood out in the second half was the sheer physicality and strength of the Blue Devils. They dominated the glass, out-rebounding NC State 44-28 overall and 14-7 on the offensive boards. Their fast pace and relentless effort wore down the Wolfpack, who were unable to match the intensity of the Blue Devils as the game wore on. It was almost as if Duke was toying with the #7 team in the country.
Key Players Spark the Victory
While the team effort was crucial, a few standout performances were key to Duke’s victory. Sophomore Oluchi Okananwa had a monster game, coming off the bench to score 22 points and grab 10 rebounds, earning the Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament honors. Okananwa’s performance was a huge factor in Duke’s offensive and defensive success. Her ability to score in the paint and dominate the glass was critical in Duke’s ability to overpower NC State.
Ashlon Jackson was another key contributor, matching Okananwa’s 22 points. Jackson played with poise and confidence, contributing at both ends of the floor. Her scoring was vital in keeping the momentum going as Duke slowly took control of the game.
In addition to Okananwa and Jackson’s scoring, Jadyn Donovan was a crucial part of Duke’s success on the boards, grabbing eight rebounds and helping the Blue Devils maintain a presence inside. The team’s ability to control the paint, particularly on the offensive boards, gave them the second-chance opportunities they needed to pull away.
A Championship Earned
Duke’s win was more than just a victory—it was a testament to the growth and development of Coach Kara Lawson’s program. After taking down Notre Dame, the #1 team in the country, and now NC State, the #2 team, Duke has firmly established itself as one of the premier programs in women’s basketball. As Kara Lawson aptly pointed out, in order to win the ACC Tournament, Duke had to face and defeat every team that beat them in the regular season, including NC State. The Blue Devils didn’t just beat NC State—they dominated them in the second half.
Now, as the NCAA Tournament looms, it will be fascinating to see where Duke is seeded. With this victory, they’ve proved they can compete with anyone, and their performance throughout the ACC Tournament should have them in prime position for a deep run in March Madness.
Coach Lawson and her team have set the bar high, and as Duke celebrates this long-awaited ACC Tournament title, fans are eager to see where this championship-winning momentum will take them next.
Congrats to Duke
This was one of the most remarkable women’s basketball games in recent memory. Duke’s thrilling comeback, their physicality on the boards and defense, and their team-first mentality made them a deserving champion. Congratulations to Coach Kara Lawson and her squad for their first ACC Tournament title since 2013. With performances like these, it’s clear that the Blue Devils are back—and they’re ready to make noise on the national stage.