Duke women's basketball finishes final home game with 73-54 win over Virginia
Posted February 29, 2024 10:46 p.m. EST
Updated February 29, 2024 10:59 p.m. EST
Duke women's basketball seniors Kennedy Brown and Camilla Emsbo ended their home career at Cameron Indoor Stadium on a high note. The Blue Devils beat Virginia 73-54 on senior night, finishing the season with a 14-3 record at home. Brown put together an impressive statline against the Cavaliers, finishing with 13 points, eight rebounds and three assists. It's Duke's sixth win in the last eight games, bringing them to 11-6 in ACC play, good for a tie at sixth place with one more game to go: a road contest against rival North Carolina.
"I think we are in the midst of our best stretch," head coach Kara Lawson said after the game. "In February, I think over that stretch, we've played really well."
Duke's only two losses in the month came at now No. 5 Virginia Tech by five points and home against now No. 17 Notre Dame by eight points.
The Duke offense continued its efficient streak, shooting 50.9 percent from the floor, netting 20 assists on 27 made shots. Junior Reigan Richardson led the way with 24 points for the Blue Devils. It's the most points she's scored in a game since she dropped her season-high 28 points in the first game of the season against Richmond. After the game, Richardson said it's fair to say it's the most confident she's felt about her scoring ability all season.
"I feel like I've really been working with our coaches, just continuing to stay confident with my shot, whether it's on the three or just getting to the cup or shooting the mid range, I feel like I'm getting a lot better with my confidence and just having the mentality to keep shooting, even if I miss a couple shots," Richardson said.
While the chances of Duke getting a double-bye (top-four seed) in the ACC Tournament are unlikely, a win against UNC on Sunday in Carmichael Arena could give the Blue Devils an opportunity for a strong matchup in the second round.
"It'll be a jungle over there, we know that, and they're a really good team and one of the top teams, so we're going to have to play well just ot have a chance, not just to win, just to have a chance," Lawson said.
The two teams tipoff on Sunday at 4 p.m.
