Duke opened its season Tuesday night without Toby Fournier, and the absence showed early before the No. 4 Blue Devils settled in for a 76-60 win over Green Bay.
Kara Lawson’s team trailed after the first quarter and carried only a two-point edge into halftime, but a strong third quarter gave Duke the separation it needed. Even with the victory, the bigger question hanging over the night was Fournier’s status.
After the game, Lawson said the star forward is dealing with a lower leg injury.
"Toby has a lower leg injury. We're hopeful she'll be back soon," Lawson said.
"But I don't have a timetable for you. It'd be up to the medical staff.
So, yeah, we did miss her."
Fournier is coming off a huge season and remains the player Duke can least afford to lose. Last year, she was named an All-American after averaging 17 points and 8 rebounds per game. Her freshman year was just as eye-catching in its own way, with ACC Rookie of the Year honors setting the tone for what followed.
She also delivered in the NCAA Tournament, earning All-Region recognition while helping push Duke to the Elite Eight. Her Sweet 16 performance against LSU stood out most: 22 points and 9 rebounds in an upset win. Duke’s run ended with a 70-58 loss to UCLA in the Elite Eight.
For now, the schedule gives Duke some breathing room. The Blue Devils don’t face a major test until November 28 against UConn, and Lawson’s comments suggest Fournier should be back before then. That matters, because Duke will want her back in time to get game reps and find her rhythm before a demanding stretch that includes UConn and South Carolina.
In Fournier’s place against Green Bay, senior Riley Nelson and junior Arianna Roberson each scored 15 points to help carry the Blue Devils.
It’s still unclear whether Fournier will be available Sunday when Duke returns to Cameron Indoor to face North Texas.
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