The Duke women’s basketball team is having an exciting season in 2025. The team recently enjoyed a week off from competition. This gave them a chance to rest and regroup. Thus, the Blue Devils held steady at No. 10 in the AP Top 25 Women’s College Basketball Poll. This ranking reflects their strong performance throughout the season. Continue reading to learn more about Duke Women’s Basketball 2025.
Current Season Overview
Duke has a record of 17 wins and 4 losses so far this season. The team has done well in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). They have won eight of their first nine conference games. Also, since the start of the new year, Duke has won 7 out of 8 games. Their only loss during this period came in overtime. This was against the North Carolina Tar Heels. However, Duke quickly bounced back with impressive wins over ranked teams. These are teams like California and Georgia Tech.
In their game against California on January 16, Duke showcased an incredible defense. They held the Golden Bears to 38 points. This marked the best defense against a top-25 team in the program’s history. In their last seven games, Duke has allowed an average of only 46.0 points. They let just one team score more than 50 points in regulation.
Moreover, Duke earned 494 votes in the latest poll. They narrowly stayed ahead of the No. 11 Kentucky Wildcats. The Blue Devils have a challenging week ahead. They will play NC State on the road. This will be followed by home games against Clemson and Miami.
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Recent Games against NC State
Duke faced off against 14th-ranked NC State on February 3, 2025. This was a closely contested game. Moreover, the Blue Devils lost 89-83 in a thrilling match at Reynolds Coliseum. Ashlon and Taina, the Duke juniors, combined for 44 points. However, it was not enough to secure a win.
Player Performances
Ashlon Jackson – she led the team with 23 points. Also, she made 6 of 14 shots from three-point range.
Taina Mair – she contributed 21 points and 5 assists. Moreover, she has been a key player for Duke this season.
Toby Fournier – she added 11 points and 4 rebounds.
Jadyn Donovan – she excelled on the boards. Also, she grabbed 10 rebounds and matched her career high with 6 assists.
For NC State, Aziaha James had a remarkable performance. She scored a game-high of 36 points.
Game Highlights
The game began with both teams trading baskets. NC State scored first. However, Duke managed to tie the game twice. There was a free throw by Duke’s Oluchi Okananwa. Then, NC State went on a 10-1 run. They took a 22-12 lead. Duke finished the first quarter trailing 24-17. Here, Jackson was leading the way.
In the second quarter, Duke came out strong with a 14-0 run. They took a 31-24 lead. Also, Jackson and Mair hit several three-pointers. The Blue Devils went 6-of-6 to begin the period. Finally, Duke ended the first half with a 43-42 lead. This was due to a dominant 26-point second quarter.
Duke maintained a 12-point lead early in the third quarter. However, NC State began to fight back. The Wolfpack closed the quarter on a 10-2 run. They cut Duke’s lead to just four points. Finally, in the fourth quarter, NC State was back in the game. They were shooting 75 percent from the floor. Aziaha led the charge, scoring 9 consecutive points. This put NC State ahead 70-68. Moreover, Duke tied the game twice. But, they could not gain the lead. James scored 15 points in the final quarter. This led them to victory.
Key Statistics
- Duke shot 32-of-75 from the field (43%). Also, they made 11-of-24 (46%) three-pointers.
- Also, the team scored 26 points in the second quarter. This marked a season-high for that period.
- Moreover, Duke surpassed 80 points for the 10th time this season.
- Finally, the Blue Devils outrebounded NC State 41-36. They had a remarkable 22 offensive rebounds.
Individual Achievements
- Ashlon Jackson – this game marked her 14th double-figure performance. It also marked the third 20-point game of the season.
- Taina Mair – she scored 21 points. This marked her seventh career 20-point game.
- Jadyn Donovan – she recorded her seventh game of the season. This was with double-digit rebounds.
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Upcoming Schedule
Duke will return home for two significant games. The first game is against Clemson on February 6, 2025. Also, this match will be part of the Blue Devils’ Climate and Sustainability Game. The tip-off is set for 7 p.m. It will be broadcast on ACCNX. Moreover, Duke will host the Miami Hurricanes on February 9, 2025. This will be the post game against Clemson. These two home games are integral for the Blue Devils. They are waiting to get back on track in conference play after the loss to NC State.
With the season underway, the Duke’s basketball team aims to continue their successes. This is a historic milestone to be celebrated as well. Moreover, the players and coaching staff are focused on these upcoming games. They are preparing diligently to make a strong comeback in the ACC.
The Blue Devils have shown their strength throughout the season. This is reflected in their strong performances in conference games. Their ability to regroup their losses will be key as they face their opponents. Moreover, this will be aided by their commitment to playing tough defense.
