In the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, the Oregon Ducks faced off against the Duke Blue Devils in a high-stakes matchup during the second round. The game, which took place on March 22, 2025, was a thrilling contest that saw Duke overcome Oregon’s early dominance to win 59-53, securing a spot in the Sweet 16.
The game began with Oregon establishing a strong lead in the first half, thanks to their solid defense and offensive execution. However, Duke adjusted after halftime, ramping up their defensive pressure and offensive efficiency to stage a comeback. By the end of the third quarter, the Blue Devils had flipped the game on its head, taking the lead. Despite Oregon’s attempt to close the gap in the final minutes, Duke’s defense and clutch plays held off the Ducks’ resurgence.
This victory was crucial for Duke, who are looking to make a deep run in the tournament, while for Oregon, it marked the end of their campaign in the tournament despite a valiant effort.
First Half: Oregon’s Early Lead
The game opened with Oregon taking control, thanks to excellent shooting and an aggressive defense that kept Duke off balance. Oregon’s senior guard Deja Kelly led the charge for the Ducks, providing scoring from both inside and outside. Her ability to drive to the basket and hit key jumpers helped Oregon establish a 28-23 lead at the end of the first half.
The Ducks’ defense was also a major factor in their strong start. They did an excellent job at forcing Duke into difficult shot attempts. Duke, known for their up-tempo pace and ability to score in transition, struggled to execute their game plan against Oregon’s disciplined defense. In particular, the Ducks managed to limit Duke’s senior standout Ashlon Jackson, who was held scoreless in the first half. This defensive performance from Oregon seemed to set the stage for what many thought would be an easy victory.
Oregon also received key contributions from their star center Phillipina Kyei, who controlled the paint on both ends of the floor. She had a number of defensive rebounds and contested shots, while also scoring inside, keeping Duke from establishing any rhythm. Oregon’s ball movement was crisp, and they took advantage of Duke’s defensive lapses, managing to find open shooters for easy baskets.
Duke’s Adjustment in the Second Half
After the halftime break, Duke came out looking like a completely different team. Head coach Kara Lawson made critical adjustments that shifted the momentum of the game. The Blue Devils began the third quarter with more intensity, tightening up their defense and forcing Oregon into tougher shot attempts. They also started to execute their offense with greater precision, attacking the basket and getting to the free-throw line.
The key figure for Duke in the second half was Ashlon Jackson. After a quiet first half, Jackson exploded for 20 points in the final two quarters. Her aggressiveness was on full display as she knocked down mid-range jumpers, converted layups in transition, and drew fouls to get to the charity stripe. She was relentless in attacking the rim and showed off her ability to create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. Her presence in the second half was the catalyst for Duke’s offensive surge.
Duke’s defense also picked up significantly after halftime. They started switching more effectively on screens and forced Oregon into turnovers. Oregon’s offense, which had looked fluid in the first half, was now struggling against Duke’s pressing defense. The Ducks’ shooting percentages dipped, and they were forced to take contested shots that didn’t fall as easily.
Oregon’s inability to score in the third quarter allowed Duke to take a 43-38 lead heading into the final period. The Blue Devils had outscored Oregon 20-10 in the third quarter, turning the game completely in their favor.
Fourth Quarter: Oregon’s Late Push and Duke’s Clutch Defense
The final period was a tense and dramatic battle. Oregon wasn’t ready to give up easily, and they mounted a late push to close the gap. Deja Kelly, who had been one of the standout players in the first half, continued to fight, scoring several key baskets in the fourth quarter to keep Oregon within striking distance.
However, Duke’s defense was able to clamp down when it mattered most. They had multiple defensive stops in the final minutes, including a crucial block from Duke’s Emily Chapman, who rejected a potential game-tying layup attempt with just under a minute to go. This was the defensive play that sealed the victory for the Blue Devils.
Oregon had opportunities to tie or even take the lead, but Duke was able to shut the door on any chance of a comeback. Oregon’s last few possessions were marred by missed shots and turnovers, while Duke took control of the game at the free-throw line. Duke sealed the game with a series of clutch free throws from Ellie Criss, who was a perfect 4-for-4 from the line in the final 30 seconds.
In the end, Duke emerged victorious with a 59-53 win, advancing to the Sweet 16 of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.
Key Players
Duke Blue Devils:
- Ashlon Jackson: Jackson was undoubtedly the player of the game for Duke. Her 20-second-half points were crucial in Duke’s comeback. She was aggressive in both scoring and facilitating, finishing with 22 points overall, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists.
- Ellie Criss: Criss played a vital role in Duke’s defensive success and was a steady presence on offense, contributing 12 points and 5 assists. Her free-throw shooting in the clutch helped Duke maintain their lead in the final moments.
- Emily Chapman: Chapman made a critical defensive play late in the game, blocking a shot that would have tied the game. She also contributed 8 points and 7 rebounds.
Oregon Ducks:
- Deja Kelly: Kelly led the Ducks with 18 points and 6 assists. She was the driving force behind Oregon’s offensive attack, but she couldn’t carry the team to victory in the second half.
- Phillipina Kyei: Kyei had a double-double performance with 14 points and 13 rebounds, including 3 blocks. She was dominant in the paint early on, but Duke’s defensive adjustments made her less effective as the game went on.
- Tamiya Harris: Harris played a solid game, contributing 9 points and 4 assists. She was effective at creating offense for her teammates but struggled with Duke’s defense in the second half.
Statistical Breakdown
- Oregon Ducks:
- Points: 53
- Field Goals: 18-49 (36.7%)
- Three-Point Field Goals: 6-19 (31.6%)
- Free Throws: 11-14 (78.6%)
- Rebounds: 38
- Assists: 12
- Turnovers: 15
- Steals: 6
- Blocks: 4
- Duke Blue Devils:
- Points: 59
- Field Goals: 22-53 (41.5%)
- Three-Point Field Goals: 5-19 (26.3%)
- Free Throws: 10-12 (83.3%)
- Rebounds: 36
- Assists: 15
- Turnovers: 12
- Steals: 7
- Blocks: 4
Game Highlights
- First Half: Oregon’s strong defense and timely scoring led them to a 28-23 halftime lead. Kyei’s presence in the paint was key, while Kelly’s scoring kept Duke on their heels.
- Third Quarter: Ashlon Jackson took over the game, scoring 14 points in the quarter to help Duke flip the script and take a 43-38 lead.
- Fourth Quarter: Oregon made a late push, but Duke’s defense held strong, including a critical block by Emily Chapman. Ellie Criss’s clutch free throws in the final seconds sealed the game for Duke.
Looking Ahead
Duke will now face the winner of the North Carolina vs. West Virginia matchup in the Sweet 16, as they look to continue their journey towards the Final Four. Oregon, despite their early exit, will surely reflect on the positives from this game and look to come back stronger in the following seasons.
In the end, it was a hard-fought, dramatic contest that saw Duke’s resilience and adjustment come through, securing them a 59-53 win over Oregon in this 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament matchup.
Leave a Reply