What a show by the No. 2-seed Duke Blue Devils! Head coach Kara Lawson and her talented squad held the 14-seed Charleston Cougars to just 64 points, cruising to an 81-64 victory in their first-round matchup. This win sets the stage for Duke’s journey deeper into the tournament, with a tougher challenge looming against the winner of the No. 6-seed Baylor versus No. 11-seed Nebraska game.
For Duke to continue their march in the Big Dance, star forward Toby Fournier will need to keep delivering standout performances. Fournier has been the backbone of the Blue Devils all season, leading the team with averages of 17.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. And she didn’t disappoint in this game.
By halftime, Duke had already established a commanding 45-26 lead, thanks in large part to Fournier’s stellar play. She wrapped up the game with an impressive 24 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks, all in just 24 minutes. Coach Lawson wisely gave her some rest, knowing another battle awaits in just two days.
Fournier's impact went beyond the stats. Her presence and composure on the court at Cameron Indoor were evident, playing a crucial role in Duke’s dominant performance.
As Nebraska and Baylor prepare to tip off at 2 p.m. ET to determine who faces the Blue Devils next, it’s clear that either opponent will present a stiffer challenge than Charleston. Fournier will need to elevate her game even further as the stakes continue to rise.