South Carolina Prevails Over Duke in Intense Battle

Durham, N.C.— The Duke (5-3) vs. South Carolina game (No. 1, 7-0) unfolded as a gripping contest, leaving fans on the edge of their seats with a possible upset in mind. In a determined effort, South Carolina secured a 77-61 victory, showcasing determination, especially after a challenging first half and a demanding game against No. 24 North Carolina earlier in the week.

Kamilla Cardoso played a pivotal role, contributing 15 points and 14 rebounds for South Carolina, marking her fifth double-double of the season. The Gamecocks demonstrated remarkable depth, with five players scoring in double figures—Chloe Kitts with 14 points and nine rebounds, Te-Hina Paopao with 12 points, Bree Hall with 13 points, and Raven Johnson with 11.

The first quarter showcased a back-and-forth affair, featuring four lead changes, with the Blue Devils holding a slim 20-18 lead. Freshman Delaney Thomas provided a significant spark off the bench for Duke, contributing nine points on 4-of-5 shooting, while sophomore Ashlon Jackson added six points through timely three-pointers.

The second quarter concluded with a dramatic incident as Duke’s Jadyn Donovan blocked a layup attempt by Kitts, triggering a bit of chaos. Referees issued technical fouls to both Donovan and Johnson, adding to the game’s intensity. South Carolina controlled the second period, outscoring Duke 17-9 and taking a 35-29 lead into halftime. The third quarter witnessed a scoring exchange, with the Blue Devils holding a narrow 23-20 edge on the scoreboard.

The third quarter saw South Carolina initiate a decisive 12-3 run, establishing a commanding 15-point lead. Despite Duke’s efforts to level the game with 7:43 remaining, South Carolina responded with a 15-2 burst, securing another double-digit lead. 

Despite Duke’s commendable efforts, South Carolina managed to close the third quarter with a 55-52 lead. The final quarter saw resilience from Duke’s Reigan Richardson and Jadyn Donovan, leveling the score at 55-all. However, a 12-2 run by the Gamecocks late in the quarter secured their control and ultimately led to the 77-61 victory.

Duke outscored South Carolina 18-12 on the fastbreak and 22-12 off the bench. The Blue Devils showcased sharp three-point shooting, hitting 11 triples on 23 attempts at a 47.8% clip. Junior Reigan Richardson led Duke with 17 points, including five 3-pointers, adding two steals and a block. Freshman Delaney Thomas tallied 13 points on 6-of-7 shooting, along with three rebounds and three steals. 

For Duke, the game exemplified a season of mixed results, showcasing defensive strength with a season-high 20 turnovers forced but struggling to contain South Carolina’s 60% shooting from beyond the arc. South Carolina continued their undefeated streak, displaying a total team effort in securing the win.

In response to being outrebounded in their previous game, South Carolina dominated the glass against Duke, winning the rebounding battle 45-24. Kamilla Cardoso, with nearly a third of those rebounds, showcased her jumping ability, ranking fifth in the country in rebounds per game (12.1), contributing to South Carolina’s top position in total rebounds per game (53.6).

Looking ahead, Duke is set to open Atlantic Coast Conference play at Clemson on Thursday.