- Duke forces 30 turnovers in defensive masterclass
- Lehigh's 25 points mark second-worst NCAA Tournament performance
- Bench strength shines with Okananwa's 15-point ACC MVP showcase
- Blue Devils hold opponents to 19.6% field goal accuracy
- Sophomore Battiston scores first career 3-pointers in breakout moment
In a stunning display of defensive prowess, Duke women's basketball team delivered a historic 86-25 victory over Lehigh during Friday's NCAA Tournament opener. The Blue Devils' suffocating defense held the Mountain Hawks to just 8 field goals throughout the game, rewriting the record books with the second-lowest score ever recorded in tournament history.
ACC Tournament MVP Oluchi Okananwa led Duke's charge with 15 points and 7 rebounds in just 20 minutes of play, exemplifying the team's exceptional bench depth. The freshman phenomenon's performance underscores a growing tournament trend where rotational players increasingly impact outcomes. We train to maintain intensity regardless of the scoreboard,Okananwa remarked post-game, highlighting Duke's championship mentality.
Duke's defensive strategy reached its apex during a catastrophic second quarter for Lehigh, where the Mountain Hawks committed 10 turnovers and made just 1 of 12 shot attempts. This 20-2 scoring barrage revealed the Blue Devils' tactical sophistication, blending athleticism with court intelligence. Head coach Kara Lawson emphasized, Our defense isn't just about physicality - it's a chess match. Sustained pressure requires both discipline and basketball IQ.
The victory reinforces Duke's status as an ACC defensive powerhouse, drawing comparisons to legendary 2019 Baylor squad that allowed 24.4 points per game. Regional analysis shows ACC teams now account for 40% of top-10 defensive ratings in women's college basketball, a statistic that bodes well for Duke's championship aspirations.
Lehigh's normally potent offense, which averaged 68.3 points during their Patriot League championship run, crumbled under Duke's relentless pressure. The Mountain Hawks' 30 turnovers translated into 34 points for the Blue Devils, exposing a critical tournament reality: ball security dictates survival. This loss doesn't erase our season's achievements,coach Addie Micir stated, though her team's 19.6% shooting percentage will undoubtedly fuel offseason adjustments.
Duke's roster depth emerged as another differentiator, with Belgian guard Louann Battiston sinking her first career 3-pointers during garbage time. Such moments highlight the program's development capabilities - Battiston had played just 51 minutes across two seasons prior to this breakout. As teams progress through March Madness, the ability to deploy specialized role players could prove decisive in tight contests.
With this win, Duke improves to 17-1 when forcing 20+ turnovers this season. The Blue Devils now prepare for Sunday's showdown against Oregon, carrying momentum from a defense that's held 8 opponents below 50 points. As tournament pressure mounts, Duke's blend of tactical defense and roster versatility positions them as legitimate Final Four contenders.