Duke Dominates Belmont Behind Sophomore Star’s Double-Double Performance
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Duke women’s basketball is starting to find its rhythm, and Saturday’s 76-46 win over Belmont might be their most complete performance yet. Behind a commanding 26-point, 16-rebound outing from their standout sophomore, the Blue Devils delivered a wire-to-wire win that showcased both their growing offensive chemistry and a defense that simply smothered the Bruins.
This marks Duke’s third straight victory, evening their record at 6-6 on the season. And if this game is any indication, the Blue Devils are starting to turn the corner.
Setting the Tone Early
Duke didn’t waste time establishing control. An 8-0 run midway through the first quarter gave them a 10-2 cushion, sparked by six early points from the sophomore forward, including a strong and-one finish. Riley Nelson added a bucket during that stretch, setting the tone for what would become a career afternoon for the freshman guard.
Belmont responded with a 7-0 run of their own to cut the lead to one, but Duke regrouped. Taina Mair calmly knocked down two free throws to stop the bleeding, and though the Blue Devils went cold to close the quarter, they held a 12-11 edge heading into the second.
Defensive Clinic in the Second Quarter
The second quarter was where Duke slammed the door. They opened the period with a 10-0 burst, fueled by Nelson’s aggressive scoring and a defense that simply overwhelmed Belmont.
The Bruins missed their first 14 shots of the quarter and went scoreless for more than seven minutes. Duke’s length and help-side rotations were on point, forcing contested looks and cleaning up the glass.
By halftime, the Blue Devils had built a 30-15 lead, thanks in large part to the one-two punch of Fournier and Nelson, who combined for 16 of Duke’s 18 second-quarter points. Belmont, meanwhile, shot just 1-of-19 in the period - a testament to Duke’s relentless pressure and smart positioning.
Second-Half Control
The third quarter started slow for Duke on the offensive end, but once they settled in, they picked up right where they left off. A quick 6-0 run stretched the lead to 18, and Belmont had no answers.
Fournier continued to dominate inside, scoring 10 points in the quarter and making her presence felt on both ends of the floor. By the end of the third, the Blue Devils were up 51-30 and cruising.
The fourth quarter was more of the same. Duke opened the frame with six straight points in just over a minute, ballooning the lead to 25. Then came the dagger: back-to-back threes from Nelson and Ashlon Jackson that put the game completely out of reach at 65-35.
From there, it was all about closing strong - and Duke did just that.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
While Fournier’s double-double was the headliner, she wasn’t alone in delivering big-time performances. Nelson had a breakout game of her own, finishing with a career-high 17 points to go with a rebound and two assists. Her confidence continues to grow with each game, and Saturday’s showing was a glimpse of the kind of spark she can bring to this team.
Delaney Thomas added 10 points, giving Duke three players in double figures, while Jackson dished out a career-best eight assists, orchestrating the offense with poise and vision.
Belmont’s Bright Spot
For Belmont, Hillary Fuller was the lone bright spot in an otherwise tough afternoon. She poured in 19 points on 7-of-15 shooting and added a pair of rebounds, two blocks, and an assist. But it wasn’t enough to overcome Duke’s size, speed, and depth.
What’s Next
With three straight wins under their belt and a .500 record now in sight, Duke is starting to look like a team that’s finding its identity. The defense is clicking, the young players are stepping up, and the offense is beginning to show balance and flow.
There’s still work to do, but if Saturday’s dominant performance is any indication, the Blue Devils are trending in the right direction - and fast.