Duke Basketball Dominates Lehigh in First Round of Women’s March Madness
In a highly anticipated first-round matchup of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, the Duke Blue Devils left no doubt about their superiority, cruising to a dominant victory over the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. The Blue Devils’ well-rounded performance on both ends of the floor proved too much for the Mountain Hawks, as they secured a resounding 85-55 win to advance to the next round.
A Fast Start for Duke
From the opening tip, Duke asserted control over the game with their aggressive defense and up-tempo offense. The Blue Devils jumped out to an early 10-0 lead, forcing Lehigh into a series of turnovers while converting fast-break opportunities with ease. Lehigh, known for their high-scoring offense throughout the season, struggled to find rhythm against Duke’s suffocating defense, which was led by senior guard and defensive standout, Jasmine Jackson. Jackson’s ability to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots played a crucial role in stifling Lehigh’s attack.
Balanced Scoring Attack
Duke’s offensive performance was a testament to their depth, with multiple players stepping up to contribute. Sophomore forward Mia Thomas led the way with a game-high 22 points, displaying an impressive combination of inside scoring and perimeter shooting. Thomas, who has been one of the Blue Devils’ top performers all season, dominated Lehigh’s defense, repeatedly getting to the basket and converting in transition.
Meanwhile, Duke’s star point guard, Taylor Washington, orchestrated the offense with poise, finishing with 8 assists and 15 points. Washington’s court vision and ability to facilitate the offense were on full display as she set up her teammates for easy baskets. The Blue Devils’ ball movement was sharp, as they recorded 22 assists on 31 made field goals, showing their unselfishness and commitment to finding the open player.
Lehigh, which had relied heavily on their top scorer, junior guard Katie Rees, to carry the offensive load, was unable to find much success against Duke’s defense. Rees finished with a team-high 18 points but struggled to get open looks, as she was constantly hounded by the Blue Devils’ defenders. Despite her efforts, the Mountain Hawks’ offense lacked the necessary support to mount any significant challenge.
Duke’s Defensive Prowess
Duke’s defense was a major talking point in the game, as they stifled Lehigh’s shooters and kept them from getting into any kind of rhythm. The Blue Devils forced 18 turnovers and converted 24 points off those mistakes. Their pressure on the ball and ability to close out on shooters was remarkable, with Lehigh shooting just 33% from the field and an even worse 27% from beyond the arc. Duke’s defense, which ranks among the best in the country, was simply too overwhelming for Lehigh to handle.
Lehigh’s Struggles and Bright Spots
While the loss was a tough one for the Mountain Hawks, they did have some bright spots. Freshman forward Emma Bell, in her first NCAA Tournament appearance, showed poise under pressure and contributed with 12 points and 7 rebounds. Despite the uphill battle, Lehigh fought hard, showing resilience throughout the game, but the gap in talent and experience between the two teams proved insurmountable.
Looking Ahead for Duke
With the win, Duke advances to the second round of the tournament, where they will face a much tougher challenge. Their balanced offensive attack, coupled with their relentless defense, makes them one of the most formidable teams in the tournament. As the Blue Devils prepare for their next opponent, they will look to continue their strong play and march deeper into the tournament, with aspirations of securing a spot in the Final Four.
In summary, Duke’s dominant 85-55 win over Lehigh in the first round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament showcased their championship-caliber talent. With a combination of defensive dominance, offensive firepower, and team chemistry, the Blue Devils proved they are a force to be reckoned with in the 2025 March Madness.
