In a decisive matchup late Sunday, the 16th-ranked Duke women’s basketball team secured a notable victory over 24th-ranked Florida State, ending the game at 71-57. This triumph enabled Duke to clinch the No. 3 seed in the upcoming Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament.
Neither team had an easy path as the game remained closely contested until the final quarter. Reserve player Toby Fournier was a standout for Duke, scoring 10 of her 28 points in the decisive stretch. Her overall performance was commendable, with an impressive 11 of 15 shooting from the field and converting 6 of 8 free-throw attempts.
The victory wasn’t just carried by Fournier alone; Ashlon Jackson contributed significantly with 14 points, while Taina Mair added another 10 to Duke’s tally. The Blue Devils successfully outmaneuvered Florida State, with steady contributions and strategic plays ensuring they held the lead steadily during the final minutes.
Florida State began the fourth quarter with a layup by Makayla Timpson, which tied the score at 49. But that momentum was short-lived as Duke went on a breathtaking 12-0 run, seeded by Fournier and capped by Jackson, giving the Blue Devils a commanding advantage they maintained until the final buzzer. Despite Timpson’s strong 25-point performance, Florida State struggled with efficiency. Their star player, Ta’Niya Latson, who came into the game as the nation’s top scorer, faced difficulties, making only 3 of her 21 field goal attempts.
Dominating the rebounding battle was key to Duke’s success. They outrebounded Florida State 51-35, capitalizing on those opportunities to score 16 second-chance points from 19 offensive rebounds. Moreover, they outscored Florida State from the free-throw line 12-6.
Heading into the matchup, Florida State was known for their high-scoring prowess, averaging 89.4 points per game. However, Duke’s defense stifled their offense, holding them to their lowest score of the season and limiting their shooting percentage to 36.4% from the field.
Now looking ahead, Duke’s win means they will take the court again in the tournament’s quarterfinal round on Friday, benefiting from a double bye. Meanwhile, Florida State, claiming the No. 5 seed, will be up for action on Thursday during the second-round games.
