Davidson Stuns Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium in an Upset Match-up
Durham, N.C- In a thrilling matchup at the historic Cameron Indoor Stadium, the No. 22 Duke Blue Devils (3-1) faced an unexpected challenge from the Davidson Wildcats (3-1) on November 16th resulting in a score of 69-62 in Davidson’s favor.
The Wildcats, after a close win against Wake Forest last Saturday in Davidson, have advanced to a 3-1 record in the early stages of the season, securing their initial triumph over the Blue Devils since their first encounter in 1978. This victory also marks the first time in 29 years that the Wildcats have conquered two ACC rivals in a single season. Additionally, it’s a historic moment for the program as it represents the first win against a ranked opponent, given the Blue Devils’ 22nd position in the latest Women’s Basketball Coached Association coaches poll and their recognition in the Associated Press poll.
The game began with a burst of energy from the Blue Devils, as Reigan Richardson’s pull-up jumper set the tone for Duke. However, Davidson’s Suzi-Rose Deegan quickly stole the spotlight, sinking consecutive three-pointers. The teams traded blows with each Duke point answered by another from Davidson. Taina Mair’s exceptional ball-handling skills were clear against Davidson’s full-court press. Despite a slow start, Emma Koabel’s three-pointer off the bench narrowed Davidson’s lead.
Davidson took control in the second period, embarking on a 12-2 run within just three minutes. Duke’s eight turnovers during this stretch proved costly. The turning point came when Duke failed to adjust to Davidson’s lethal three-point shooting. The Blue Devils needed to keep their hands up and fight through Davidson’s screens, but the failure to execute these defensive adjustments allowed Davidson to extend their lead.
Duke rallied in the third period, injecting new energy into their game. The addition of Jadyn Donovan off the bench proved pivotal, as she aggressively attacked the basket, converting crucial and-1 opportunities.
Although Duke managed to cut Davidson’s double-digit lead to seven points in the final period, it wasn’t enough to secure the comeback. Duke’s 18 turnovers proved to be a significant hindrance, allowing Davidson to capitalize and score 21 points off those mistakes.
Davidson showcased their efficiency with a 42% field goal percentage and an impressive 50% from beyond the arc, securing 30 rebounds. On the other hand, Duke struggled, shooting at 38% from the field, a mere 15% from three-point range, and committing 19 turnovers, despite grabbing 40 rebounds.
With the next game against Stanford on November 19th at 3 PM, Duke faces a crucial opportunity to bounce back. The key takeaway from this upset is the imperative need for better ball security moving forward and a focused approach to defensive adjustments to avoid a repeat of their downfall against Davidson.