Duke Blue Devils Upset No. 2 Ohio State in Women's NCAA Tournament

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ICARO Media Group
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24/03/2024 21h32

In a stunning turn of events, the No. 7 Duke Blue Devils pulled off a major upset against the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes in the women's NCAA Tournament on Sunday. The Buckeyes, who were favored by 7.5 points, were taken by surprise as Duke emerged victorious with a final score of 75-63 in Columbus.

Duke's win marks their first appearance in the Sweet 16 since 2018, showcasing the strength and determination of their young team. Led by the impressive performance of junior guard Reigan Richardson, who scored 28 points on 11-of-18 shooting, the Blue Devils proved that they can compete at the highest level.

The game started off with Ohio State taking a commanding lead, going up by 16 points with just five minutes left in the second quarter. However, Duke refused to back down and mounted a relentless comeback. By halftime, they had narrowed the gap to just four points and proceeded to outscore the Buckeyes in every quarter thereafter.

Richardson played a pivotal role in both games, contributing a total of 53 points and displaying exceptional leadership skills. Her teammates Ashlon Jackson and Taina Mair also stepped up with double-digit performances, scoring 13 and 11 points respectively.

Although Duke's youthful roster consisted of only four players from last year's team, which hosted the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament, their lack of experience did not deter them. Their fearlessness and determination were evident in their strong comeback victories against Richmond and now against Ohio State.

The upset not only reflects the resilience of the Blue Devils but also underscores the talent and potential within the team. They will now advance to the Sweet 16 with newfound momentum and confidence, ready to face the winner of the UConn vs. Syracuse game in Portland.

On the other hand, Ohio State will have to regroup after the end of Jacy Sheldon's collegiate career. Despite the disappointment of this loss, the Buckeyes will look to rebuild and bounce back in the upcoming seasons.

As the dust settles, the basketball world takes notice of Duke's remarkable performance and cements their status as a rising force in the tournament. Their journey in the NCAA Tournament continues, and fans eagerly await their next challenge.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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