WBB Elite Eight Showdown Preview: Duke Faces Defending Champions South Carolina
Duke women's basketball is on the cusp of history, making its first Elite Eight appearance in 12 years. The No. 2-seeded Blue Devils (29-7) are set to battle the top-seeded and reigning national champion South Carolina Gamecocks on Sunday in the 2025 NCAA Tournament at Legacy Arena. The winner punches their ticket to the Final Four, a stage Duke has not reached since 2006.
Road to the Elite Eight
Duke’s tournament run has been defined by defensive dominance and timely scoring. The Blue Devils opened with a resounding 86-25 win over No. 15 Lehigh before dispatching No. 10 Oregon behind Ashlon Jackson’s sharpshooting. The Sweet 16 saw Duke grind out a 47-38 victory over their in-state rival North Carolina, led by Oluchi Okananwa’s double-double performance. Now, they face their toughest challenge yet: a South Carolina team seeking back-to-back titles.
On the other side, the No. 1 overall seed Gamecocks have cruised through their region, overwhelming Tennessee Tech (108-48) before overcoming Indiana (64-53) and Maryland (71-67). South Carolina’s battle-tested squad, led by head coach Dawn Staley, brings championship experience and relentless defensive intensity into this high-stakes matchup.
Perimeter Shooting and Offensive Efficiency
The Blue Devils have set a new program record for three-pointers made this season, connecting on 220 shots from beyond the arc. Jackson has been at the forefront, knocking down 85 triples this season—just two shy of Duke’s single-season record. If Duke can find its rhythm from deep, it could be a game-changer against a South Carolina team known for its defensive prowess in the paint.
Stifling Defense Must Continue
Kara Lawson’s squad has prided itself on defensive intensity all season. Duke ranks fourth nationally in defensive rating and has held 15 opponents under 50 points. In ACC play, they forced an impressive 22.2 turnovers per game, a stat that could prove crucial against a Gamecocks offense that thrives on second-chance opportunities and transition play.
Balanced Scoring Attack
With four players averaging at least 9.8 points per game, Duke boasts a well-rounded offensive unit. Toby Fournier (13.1 PPG), Jackson (12.4 PPG), and Okananwa (10.1 PPG) have provided steady production, while senior Reigan Richardson sits just three points away from the 1,000-point milestone in her Duke career. A collective effort will be essential to overcome South Carolina’s aggressive defensive schemes.
The Matchup Ahead
South Carolina brings size, depth, and experience into the contest, but Duke has the defensive discipline and outside shooting to keep this game competitive. Tipoff is set for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on ABC, with a Final Four berth hanging in the balance. Will Duke’s resilience carry them to their first national semifinal since 2006, or will South Carolina’s championship pedigree prevail? Sunday’s showdown promises to be one of the most thrilling matchups of the tournament.
