Duke Women’s Basketball emerged victorious in an intense battle against Oklahoma in the championship game of the Ball Dawgs Classic, with a final score of 109-99 in overtime. Reigan Richardson was the star of the game, scoring a remarkable 35 points and securing a career-high for herself. The Blue Devils, ranked No. 13, showed exceptional resilience and skill throughout the game.
Despite facing a 15-point deficit in the first half, Oklahoma, ranked No. 8, managed to tie the game with just 4:45 left on the clock. Payton Verhulst’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer forced the game into overtime. However, Duke dominated the extra period, outscoring the Sooners 15-5 to secure the victory.
In addition to Richardson’s outstanding performance, Ashlon Jackson contributed 18 points, Jordan Wood added 13, Jadyn Donovan scored 12, and Taina Mair chipped in 10 points for the Blue Devils. Richardson was rightfully named the tournament MVP for her exceptional display of talent and leadership on the court.
Verhulst led the scoring for Oklahoma with 29 points, along with 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Raegan Beers scored 26 points, Skylar Vann contributed 13, and Sahara Williams added 12 for the Sooners. Despite their best efforts, Oklahoma was unable to match Duke’s offensive prowess and shooting efficiency during the game.
Duke has showcased a strong performance throughout the season, particularly excelling in second-chance scoring and points off the bench. Their ability to capitalize on opportunities and maintain a high level of play has been instrumental to their success. On the other hand, Oklahoma came into the game with an impressive defensive record, holding their opponents to low shooting percentages. However, they struggled to contain Duke’s offense, allowing them to shoot 56.3% from the field.
Looking ahead, Duke is set to face Columbia on December 1, while Oklahoma will take on Louisville on December 4. Both teams will be looking to build on their performances and continue their success as the season progresses.
The game was filled with exciting moments and impressive displays of skill from both teams, making it a thrilling experience for fans and players alike. Duke’s victory serves as a testament to their talent and determination, while Oklahoma’s resilience and fighting spirit were evident throughout the game.
