Sports
Duke Advances to Sweet 16, Defeating Baylor in NCAA Tournament
The No. 3 Duke Blue Devils secured a 69-46 victory over No. 6 Baylor on Sunday in the second round of the women's NCAA Tournament, advancing to the Sweet 16. This win marks Duke's third consecutive Sweet 16 appearance and their twentieth overall.
Duke's dominant performance saw them maintain a lead throughout the contest, never trailing against Baylor. Canadian player Toby Fournier contributed significantly, scoring 13 of her 15 total points in the initial half. Delaney Thomas led Duke in scoring with 17 points, while Arianna Roberson recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds from the bench. Ashlon Jackson also added 12 points for the Blue Devils. Baylor's offensive struggles were notable, as they registered their lowest scoring output of the season, managing only eight points in each of the first two quarters. The Bears also failed to convert any three-point attempts, going 0-for-14 from beyond the arc, marking the first time this year they did not make a three-pointer. Duke coach Kara Lawson praised her team's defensive effort, highlighting their strong start with intense focus and physicality.
Key Facts
- The No. 3 Duke Blue Devils defeated No. 6 Baylor 69-46 on Sunday in the second round of the women's NCAA Tournament.
- Duke's victory propels them into the Sweet 16 for the third consecutive season and the twentieth time in program history.
- Canadian player Toby Fournier contributed 15 points for Duke, with 13 of those points scored in the first half.
- Delaney Thomas was Duke's top scorer with 17 points, while Arianna Roberson achieved 10 points and 10 rebounds.
- Baylor's offence was limited to its lowest output of the season, scoring only eight points in each of the first two quarters.
- Baylor did not make any three-pointers, finishing 0-for-14 from beyond the arc, a first for them this season.
- Duke coach Kara Lawson characterized the game as one of their strongest defensive performances of the season.
- Duke will next face No. 7 Texas Tech in the Sacramento 2 Regional.