Duke Blue Devils Secure ACC Tournament Win Over Louisville, Advance to Semifinals
The Duke Blue Devils women’s basketball team bolstered their record to 24-7 with a 61-48 victory over the Louisville Cardinals in the ACC Tournament on Friday.
This win marked Duke’s fourth consecutive triumph and their 12th victory in the last 15 games. Oluchi Okananwa led the scoring effort with 12 points, while Reigan Richardson (12), Ashlon Jackson (11), and Toby Fournier (10) also contributed double-digit performances. Under head coach Kara Lawson, the team is set to face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET in Greensboro, North Carolina, with a spot in the ACC Tournament championship game at stake.
In addition to their postseason success, the Blue Devils will have a special opportunity to pay tribute to one of basketball’s most iconic figures with a new addition to their uniforms.
News of the Kobe Bryant-inspired tribute quickly spread across social media, generating excitement as Duke continues its journey toward a potential deep run in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
“Postseason Kobes,” the Duke Blue Devils women’s basketball team posted on X, unveiling their latest Nike sneakers dedicated to the Los Angeles Lakers legend, also known as ‘The Black Mamba.’ Head coach Kara Lawson later shared a video of the commemorative footwear, further highlighting the significance of the tribute.
The winner of Saturday’s semifinal matchup between Duke and Notre Dame will advance to the ACC Tournament final, where they are expected to face either the No. 1-seeded NC State Wolfpack or the No. 5-seeded North Carolina Tar Heels, who will also compete in a semifinal showdown.
