Arianna Roberson and Riley Nelson combined for 30 points to guide No. 4 Duke to a 76-60 victory over Green Bay in Tuesday night’s season opener. The Blue Devils, who enter the year as favorites to claim a third consecutive Atlantic Coast Conference title, faced a spirited challenge from the Phoenix, who are projected to win their fourth straight Horizon League championship. Although Duke held a slim 33-31 lead at the halftime break, the team’s offensive efficiency and defensive intensity surged in the second half to secure a comfortable win.
Key Match Highlights & Tactical Analysis
The turning point came in the third quarter, where Duke transformed its inside presence from a non-factor to a dominant force. After scoring zero points in the paint during the second quarter, the Blue Devils recorded 16 points in the paint in the third period. This offensive adjustment was paired with a stifling defensive effort that held Green Bay scoreless for over six minutes of the period. Layups from Jordan Wood and Nelson extended the margin to 49-37 with 4:15 remaining in the game, effectively breaking the contest open.
Despite the win, the Blue Devils played without key forward Toby Fournier, who is dealing with a lower-leg injury. Fournier, a preseason all-ACC selection and last year’s team leader in scoring (17.3 ppg) and rebounding (7.9 rpg), remains a significant absence for Coach Kara Lawson. While Lawson expressed hope for a quick return, she indicated there is currently no specific timetable for Fournier’s reintegration into the lineup, leaving the team to rely on its depth and current stars to maintain its title momentum.
Source: Yahoo Sports
