Category Archives: Women’s Basketball

NCAA Tournament Elite Eight, Women’s Basketball vs Notre Dame

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Duke 76, Notre Dame 87 (Final)

The Fighting Irish toned down their offensive aggressiveness and chewed up time with the shot clock. Duke, however much it attacked on offense, could not overcome the 16-point deficit the Fighting Irish set. Peters did all she could to bring the Blue Devils back, scoring eight points in the final two minutes but Diggins answered with an and-one layup to squash any chances of a comeback that Duke had. The final two minutes saw a flurry of scoring from both teams, but Duke could not hold the Fighting Irish from scoring, ultimately making the lead insurmountable. The game closed with Duke still playing hard, with three players fighting for offensive rebounds and shots before the final buzzer sounded.

Duke 59, Notre Dame 75 (3:58 Second Half)

Diggins now has 20 points to lead all scorers, following an and-one layup against Wells. The Fighting Irish have gone on a 15-5 run in the past two minutes behind their 3-point shooting. Duke has continually forced shots at the rim or missed inside jumpers. The Blue Devils’ lone senior, Vernerey, has remained on the floor and will seemingly play out the rest of the game.

Duke 54, Notre Dame 62 (7:49 Second Half)

After a missed free throw, Notre Dame went down the floor and knocked down a 3-pointer and layup off a lob to extend the lead to 10 for the Fighting Irish. A sense of urgency seemed to set in for the Blue Devils, who forced several shots in reaction to an aggressive Notre Dame defense. Duke caught a break when Liston was fouled on a 3-point shot attempt, allowing Liston to pull the Blue Devils within eight following the three made free throws.  Following a Wells steal, Peters dropped in a hook shot to take the lead down to six before Diggins scored on a fast break layup to put the lead back at eight.

Duke 47, Notre Dame 52 (11:46 Second Half)

Diggins came up big for the Irish, producing two steals, one which led to a huge 3-pointer from the corner by McBride. The Blue Devils continually tried to answer but was stifled by a pair of offensive fouls called on Williams. Jones, who reentered the game with four fouls, brought the Blue Devils back into the game with a spinning and-one layup to put Duke within five. Vernery did the same following a bucket from Anchonwa, hitting a left-handed layup going into the timeout.

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Sportswrap: HOUSE OF CARDS

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The Blue Devils are not going down to Georgia.

The second-seeded Blue Devils fell 85-63 to top-seeded Louisville in the Elite Eight.

The Louisville Cardinals hold up Kevin Ware's jersey after they beat Duke in the Elite Eight in spite of his gruesome injury. (Photo Credit: Elysia Su/The Chronicle)

This week’s Sportswrap, The Chronicle’s weekly sports supplement, shows the Cardinals celebrating and holding the jersey of Kevin Ware, who left the game in the first half with a gruesome compound fracture in his knee.

Here are all the stories after a busy weekend for Duke sports:

NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, Women’s Basketball vs. Nebraska

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Duke 53 , Nebraska 45 (Final)

With the clock winding down under 2 minutes, Duke put the ball in the hands of the most dynamic, and youngest, player on the floor, letting Jones dribble through and around Cornhuskers. Following a pair of made Liston free throws, Jones went one-and-one on a pair of her own to extend the lead to 11 before it was cut to 8 by a Moore 3-pointer. The efforts from Moore, who registered five points in the final minutes came too little, too late with Duke keeping the Cornhuskers at bay to win 53-45. The Blue Devils will face Notre Dame on Tuesday night in the Elite Eight.

Duke 44, Nebraska 38 (3:30 Second Half)

At 7:53, Hooper hit the ground with what appeared to be a lower-left leg injury following a fadeaway jumper. With Hooper presumably out for the remainder of the game, the Cornhuskers will have to look to Moore and Laudermill to step up on offense, which Moore did, knocking down a transition jumper to pull the Cornhuskers within six. Haley Peters knocked down a pair of free throws with 6:31 left to be the first player of the game to reach the charity stripe. Liston, who came out strong, has not hit a shot in over 11 minutes while Williams has stepped up in the second half, going 3-for-6 with six points thus far in the second half.

Duke 40, Nebraska 30 (8:32 Second Half)

Haley Peters finally got on the board, hitting on a short-range jump shot from the left block. Following a miss by Jackson, Jones blocked a fast-break layup by Nebraska’s Tear’a Laudermill, firing up the Blue Devils and visibly frustrating Laudermill and the Cornhuskers. Since the 11:06 mark, Nebraska has failed to hit a shot and Duke has stretched the lead from six to 10 in that time.

Duke 36, Nebraska 28 (11:13 Second Half)

The theme of the first half reared its head again, with both teams missing easy shots from inside the paint. This would not last long. Following a basket from Richa Jackson, Hooper knocked down a tough turnaround jumper with Williams’s hand in her face. Not deterred, Williams scored on a layup for the Blue Devils and blocked Hooper’s next field goal attempt. Duke has opened up an eight-point lead, but the momentum could easily swing if Hooper continues to knock down her shots.

Duke 30, Nebraska 26 (15:45 Second Half)

Jones continued her offensive dominance for the Blue Devils, scoring and assisting on Duke’s opening goals. One of those assists came by way of a Liston 3-pointer, who upped her total to 13 points on the game. Duke kept up its defensive intensity, but the Cornhuskers attacked the basket more than it had in the first half, leading to some easy layups for Nebraska. Hooper finally found the bottom of the net, connecting on a mid-range jump shot to open the half.

Halftime Stats and Notes:

  • Neither team has been to the free throw line yet.
  • Both teams, who are usually solid 3-point shooting teams, are struggling from downtown. Nebraska is 2-for-13 from behind-the-arc and Duke has only managed to go 3-for-11.
  • Duke closed the half on a 12-0 run, led by Jones who contributed seven of the 12 points.

Duke 23, Nebraska 18 (Halftime)

Alexis Jones came out of the timeout determined to score and did just that, putting up seven points in the final three minutes.  Williams even found her stroke, knocking down a step-back jumper. Entering the locker rooms, both teams have to feel good about their defense but equally disappointed in their offensive production—Duke is shooting 10-for-32 and and Nebraska is going 8-for-33. The best two players on the court, Hooper and Williams, have combined for four points on 2-for-15 shooting, with both made shots coming from Williams.

Duke 14, Nebraska 18 (2:53 First Half)

Tricia Liston has been the only sense offensive production for Duke, leading all scorers with 10 points. Duke has done a good job of shutting down the Cornhuskers’ star forward Jordan Hooper, but has let too many other players get involved and knock down jump shots from outside the lane. Williams maintained her dominance in the defensive paint, sending a shot by Moore flying into the stands. Duke went to a zone with just under four minutes to go to break up the Cornhuskers’ offensive flow.

Duke 9, Nebraska 14 (7:46 First Half)

With both teams settling for long jumpers, neither team has been to the free throw line yet. The Cornhuskers have not been able to get to the paint with Williams there and Duke has simply not been able to finish close to the basket. The Blue Devils’ shooting woes continue, knocking down only one basket in the past 4 minutes. Nebraska point guard Lindsey Moore has been doing her best to break down the Blue Devils defense with a plethora of no-look passes and drives to the basket.

Duke 7, Nebraska 10 (11:23 First Half)

The matchup to watch has clearly become Jordan Hooper on Elizabeth Williams. Thus far Hooper has been able to hold Williams to 2 points on one-of-five shooting. Both teams are struggling to connect from the field with Duke shooting 3-for-16 and Nebraska going 4-for-12.

Duke 5, Nebraska 5 (14:40 First Half)

Both teams came out of the gates looking to play up-tempo basketball, but failed to find the bottom of the net early on. The first bucket did not come until the 18:03-mark, with Elizabeth Williams laying the ball in off a spin move from the block.Williams was the story early on, registering the game’s first points and a monster swat within the first three minutes of play.  Nebraska’s Rachel Theriot accounted for all five Nebraska points, dropping in a floater and knocking down a 3-pointer on back-to-back possessions for the Cornhuskers.


Projected Starters:

Duke Blue Devils: G Alexis Jones,  G Tricia Liston,  F Haley Peters, F Richa Jackson, C Elizabeth Williams

Nebraska Cornhuskers: G Lindsey Moore, G Rachel Theriot, F Jordan Hooper, F Emily Cady, F Hailie Sample

Pregame Notes:

This game features two former AP National Coach of the Year awardees. Duke head coach Joanne P. McCallie won the award in 2005 and Nebraska head coach Connie Yori took home the hardware in 2010.

Sunday’s matchup between the Cornhuskers and Blue Devils will be the first time the two programs have faced one another.

Sophomore center Elizabeth Williams will have a homecoming of sorts, as the Ted Constant Convocation Center is only 25 minutes from her home and high school in Virginia Beach.

NCAA Tournament Second-Round, Women’s Basketball vs. Oklahoma State

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Duke 68, Oklahoma State 59 (FINAL): Haley Peters sinks a three for the Blue Devils with just two minutes remaining in the game. She then goes down to pick up a defensive rebound for the squad. The Blue Devils have taken the game away from the Cowgirls in the last few minutes of regulation. Duke wins.

Duke 56, Oklahoma State 53 (2:21 left in the second half): The Blue Devils have gone on an 11-2 run over 4:17 and are forcing key turnovers by the Cowgirls with their high-pressure defense.

Duke 54, Oklahoma State 53 (3:09 left in the second half): Alexis Jones back in for the Blue Devils. Tricia Liston takes it in for a three-point play and sinks the free-throw. Duke is within two. Coach P signaling to the crowd to get on its feet and for her team to apply a full-court press. Liston sinks a three to give the Blue Devils the lead, 52-51. Chloe Wells is doing it all for the Blue Devils tonight-she assists to Haley Peters for an easy bucket down low.

Duke 45, Oklahoma State 49 (7:50 left in the second half): The Cowgirls commit two turnovers following the timeout and the Blue Devils head down and sink a three to bring Duke within five points. Oklahoma State has seen a lot of production from Young who has 12 points and seven rebounds so far on the night. Chloe Wells has stepped up for the Blue Devils, she takes the ball hard to the basket for a three-point play and makes the free-throw. Coach P takes Alexis Jones out of the game at the 10-minute mark with three fouls. K’alia Johnson comes in for Duke and looks to make an impact. On her first run down the court, she takes it strong to the basket, gets fouled and sinks one of two free-throws. Wells leads the Blue Devils with 13.

Duke 36, Oklahoma State 45 (11:33 left in the second half): Duke has really stepped up its intensity on defense this half. The Blue Devils are pressuring the Cowgirls in their attempt to get the ball up the floor from the in-bounds pass. Duke has shot much better from the floor this half. Haley Peters leads the Blue Devils with 11 points. Three Oklahoma State players are in double figures so far tonight–Young, Donohoe and Bias have 10, 11, and 11 points, respectively.

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Sportswrap: THAT ‘SHEED CREIGH, AIN’T IT JAYS?

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Duke basketball advanced to the Sweet 16 last night with a 66-50 win against seventh-seeded Creighton. In a game with 46 fouls, Rasheed Sulaimon led the Blue Devils with 21 points.

This week's Sportswrap is titled "THAT 'SHEED CREIGH, AIN'T IT JAYS?" after Rasheed Sulaimon scored 21 points to lead Duke basketball past Creighton and to the Sweet 16. (Photo Credit: Caroline Rodriguez/The Chronicle)

Make sure to read that story and these others in this week’s “THAT ‘SHEED CREIGH, AIN’T IT JAYS?” edition of Sportswrap, The Chronicle’s weekly sports supplement:

And if you don’t get the Sportswrap headline….

Duke vs. Hampton NCAA Tournament First Round Live Blog

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Duke 67, Hampton 51 (final): Duke maintained its near twenty-point advantage to close the game as the toll of a physical game and a small lineup showed on Hampton’s players.  Duke’s depth and strength ultimately prevailed as the Blue Devils survive the first round of NCAA Tournament play.  Duke will play either DePaul or Oklahoma State who tip-off immediately following the Blue Devils game Tuesday.

Duke 60, Hampton 46 (3:31, second half): Elizabeth Williams size has allowed her easy opportunities in the post against much smaller defenders especially in transition.  Duke has capitalized on its size focusing the offense on post play from Peters, Williams, Richa Jackson, and Allison Vernerey. The Pirates look defeated as Duke’s size and strength has out-played them on both ends of the floor.

Duke 56, Hampton 42 (5:10, second half): The Blue Devils have responded well to Hampton’s run shocking the Pirates who appear tired.  Duke’s physicality on both ends of the court has worn down the Hampton defense translating to the Blue Devils regaining a double digit lead in the contest. Key basket for Duke from Haley Peters and Elizabeth Williams allowed Duke to regain control of the game.

Duke 48, Hampton 40 (7:59, second half): Hampton narrowed Duke’s lead down to six with a layup in transition.  Both teams continue to fight as this game has quickly become a struggle to survive to the next round of the tournament.  The Blue Devils have looked confused and disjointed on offense at times and continue to turn the ball over.  The Pirates crowd has become raucous as their team has slowly narrowed Duke’s lead. Elizabeth Williams post basket put Duke back up eight and swung the momentum back to the Blue Devils.

Duke 46, Hampton 36 (11:28, second half): The Pirates have played with a renewed sense of urgency slowly clawing their way back into the game. Duke continues to attack the basket and fight for loose balls in response, but has failed to convert on offense. The Blue Devils’ miscues have brought renewed energy to Hampton and its fans.

Duke 40, Hampton 25 (15:08, second half): Hampton struck first with a long two-pointer, but Duke responded with a three from Tricia Liston.  The Blue Devils have battled hard for rebounds and continue to press on defense.  Both teams have traded baskets and fouls as the pace of the game has increased.  Liston scored her 1000th point on a three-pointer from the wing to put Duke back up 15.

Duke 32, Hampton 15 (end of first half): The Blue Devils have begin to find rhythm on the offensive end while their defense has remained consistently strong. Liston and Jones have each notched seven points with Williams leading the way in scoring for Duke with 12. Duke’s superior size has not dampened the Pirates intensity on both ends of the floor. Some key stats from the first half: Hampton has shot 21.2 percent from the floor while Duke has shot 40.6 percent thus far.  Both teams have grabbed 23 rebounds a piece even though the Pirates are a shorter squad overall in comparison to the Blue Devils.

Duke 28, Hampton 13 (3:32, first half): Alexis Jones continues to spark Duke’s offense pushing the ball in transition.  The Blue Devils have shot 40.7 percent from the floor but have been able to hold Hampton to 22.2 percent to maintain a consistent lead. Duke has slowly begun to pull away from the Pirates with a big three-pointer from Tricia Liston as well as baskets from Jones and Williams.

Duke 20, Hampton 11 (6:55, first half): Elizabeth Williams has missed multiple shots in the post allowing Hampton to have more opportunities to decrease the Blue Devils lead.  Duke’s defense is what has kept them in the lead thus far, despite the struggles to make open shots on the offensive end. The physical toll of the game has been evident especially for the Pirates whose players look worn with the fast-paced action especially forward Ariel Phelps who limped off the court at the media timeout.

Duke 16, Hampton 8 (11:15, first half): Hampton has showed energy on both ends of the court cutting to the basket hard and earning multiple layup opportunities.  The Blue Devils have responded with a zone-trap press that gained two steals for Duke and a couple baskets. Alexis Jones has been stellar so far with four points, two assists, and a rebound.  Duke is slowly extending its lead over the Pirates with strong defensive play while getting out-rebounded early 10-9

Duke 8, Hampton 4 (15:48, first half): Hampton, propelled by a spirited crowd, notched the first basket of the game, but Duke has quickly responded with consecutive baskets from Alexis Jones and Haley Peters.  This may be one of the most intense games the Blue Devils have played in all season with each team scratching for every loose ball.  Duke’s defense has been strong despite some early miscues on offense.

Pregame:

Duke begins its NCAA tournament play at Cameron Indoor Stadium, as the No. 2 seeded Blue Devils get set to take on the No. 15 Hampton Pirates. Follow the link for a preview of today’s matchup as the Blue Devils look to play in Final Four.

Starters

Duke: G Alexis Jones, G Tricia Liston, F Richa Jackson, F Haley Peters, C Elizabeth Williams

Albany: G Nicole Hamilton, G Olivia Allen, F Ariel Phelps, F Keiara Avant, F Alyssa Bennett

Tip-off is set for 12:05 p.m. Stay along here for analysis of the game and follow on Twitter for more frequent updates.  Cameron Indoor is rocking as Hampton fans have taken over the student section courtside.  The atmosphere is electric as Duke begins its quest to reach the NCAA Championship in New Orleans.