In an exciting and hard-fought contest, the No. 16 Duke women’s basketball team secured a narrow 75-71 victory over South Dakota State, marking their first-ever meeting with the Jackrabbits. The Blue Devils (4-1) entered the game with momentum following a dominant 84-49 win over Dayton, but South Dakota State (3-1) was determined to make it a tough challenge. Despite facing a tenacious defense and a strong offensive push from the Jackrabbits, Duke’s resilience in the fourth quarter helped them escape with the win.
Sophomore Jadyn Donovan played a pivotal role in Duke’s victory, delivering a career-high 23 points and leading her team with 15 rebounds. Though her offensive performance was a key highlight, it was a collective effort that saw Duke pull away in the final minutes of the game. With five minutes remaining, the Blue Devils went on a 7-0 run, taking a 66-59 lead. From there, it was a matter of holding off South Dakota State’s attempts at a comeback. With the Jackrabbits fouling in desperation to regain possession, Duke responded calmly at the free-throw line. Graduate student Vanessa de Jesus stepped up in the final seconds, sinking four crucial free throws to seal the game, while junior Ashlon Jackson added two more to secure the 75-71 win.
While Donovan’s offensive explosion stood out, senior Reigan Richardson also played a key role in the victory. Richardson had a quieter first three quarters, but she found her rhythm when Duke needed her most in the closing moments. Her veteran leadership and steady presence on the court were crucial in maintaining composure during the tense final stretches of the game. Jackson, alongside Donovan, was also a significant contributor to Duke’s scoring, combining for over half of the team’s total points.
South Dakota State fought hard to keep the game close throughout, with standout performances from junior Brooklyn Meyer. The Summit League Defensive Player of the Year, Meyer was a constant threat, scoring 9-of-13 from the field and relentlessly attacking the paint. The Jackrabbits’ defense disrupted Duke’s usual rhythm, forcing turnovers and keeping the game at a fast pace that the Blue Devils struggled to control. After Duke led 38-30 at halftime, South Dakota State came out strong in the second half, tying the game at 50 with a 7-0 run. Despite the Blue Devils’ defensive efforts, the Jackrabbits’ offensive pressure kept them within striking distance, and the game remained a back-and-forth battle for much of the second half.
The Blue Devils were tested like never before, forced to work hard for every point. South Dakota State’s defensive strategy was effective in preventing Duke from finding open shots and forcing the Blue Devils to rely on second-chance opportunities. Duke scored 40 of their 75 points in the paint, demonstrating their resilience in the face of intense defensive pressure. South Dakota State did not let up, continuing to challenge every Duke possession and making it clear that this game would not be easy. However, Duke’s determination and depth, led by Donovan’s career-best performance and key free throws in the final moments, were enough to secure the win.
As Duke returns to the familiar confines of Cameron Indoor Stadium for their next game against Belmont, they can take pride in overcoming a fierce challenge on the road. The Blue Devils will need to build on this hard-earned victory as they continue their season, learning from their close call in South Dakota and looking ahead to more tests in the coming weeks.