DURHAM, N.C. - It’s an exciting time for Duke fans as the Blue Devils are once again set to host the first and second rounds of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. This marks the second consecutive year Duke has earned this honor, a testament to their strong season performance.
The anticipation is building as the three teams joining Duke in Durham will be unveiled during the NCAA Selection Show on Sunday, March 15 at 8 p.m. on ESPN. Fans can catch the first-round action on either March 20 or 21, with the second round slated for March 22 or 23 at the iconic Cameron Indoor Stadium. For those eager to secure their spot, all-session ticket books are available now, with single-session tickets going on sale Monday at 11 a.m., post-announcement of opponents and game times.
Duke enters the tournament on a high note, having clinched their 10th ACC Tournament title with an electrifying overtime win against No. 12 Louisville.
They also topped the ACC regular season standings with a stellar 16-2 record. Under the guidance of ACC Coach of the Year Kara Lawson, the Blue Devils are ranked eighth in the latest AP poll, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating NCAA Tournament run.
This year marks Duke's 28th appearance in the NCAA Tournament, boasting a 64-27 overall record in the event and an impressive 26-4 record in Durham. The team is firing on all cylinders, led by All-ACC First Team standout Toby Fournier, who is averaging 17.3 points per game.
Senior point guard Taina Mair is having a breakout season, contributing 11.4 points, 5.5 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game. Her stellar performance in the ACC Tournament, where she averaged 15.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 2.7 steals per game, earned her the MVP honors.
Ashlon Jackson has been a dual threat, excelling on both ends of the floor with 11.4 points per game, a team-leading 68 three-pointers, and 4.4 assists per game. She’s also taken on the challenge of guarding the toughest perimeter players, anchoring Duke’s elite defense.
The Blue Devils dominate the boards with Fournier, Delaney Thomas, Mair, and Arianna Roberson leading the charge, averaging 8.2, 6.3, 5.9, and 5.5 rebounds per game, respectively. Thomas adds 10.7 points per game on an efficient 60 percent shooting, while Roberson contributes 8.2 points and 1.1 blocks per game.
Fournier stands tall as the top rim protector with 2.3 blocks per game.
As the Blue Devils prepare for another thrilling NCAA Tournament, fans can expect high-energy performances and a team ready to make a deep run.