No. 17 Duke Women’s Basketball Hands No. 6 Louisville Its First Loss in Conference Play: A Thrilling 59-58 Victory
In a high-stakes showdown that lived up to the billing as a battle for ACC supremacy, the No. 17 Duke Blue Devils (17-6 overall, 12-0 in ACC play) delivered a statement win on the road, defeating the No. 6 Louisville Cardinals (21-4 overall, 11-1 in ACC play) by a razor-thin 59-58 margin on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
This victory not only extended Duke’s winning streak to 14 games but also solidified their position as the lone undefeated team remaining in ACC conference play. Duke handed Louisville its first loss in league action this season, snapping the Cardinals’ impressive 14-game overall winning streak in the process. The game marked Duke’s first-ever win at Louisville since the Cardinals joined the ACC in 2013, adding historical significance to an already dramatic contest.
A Dominant Start for the Blue Devils
The Blue Devils came out firing from the opening tip, establishing control early and building a substantial lead. Duke raced to a 13-1 advantage within the first few minutes, capitalizing on sharp shooting and suffocating defense. They extended that momentum to lead 23-11 after the first quarter, shooting efficiently while holding Louisville to just 11 points on poor offensive execution.
Toby Fournier was instrumental in the early surge, scoring all 15 of her game-high points in the first half while also contributing rebounds and blocks. Fournier, a key forward for Duke, showcased her versatility by finishing with a double-double threat presence inside. Her three blocks were part of a team total of nine, which disrupted Louisville’s interior game significantly.
Duke’s defense was stellar throughout, forcing the Cardinals into season lows: 21 field goals made and a .339 shooting percentage (21-of-62). The Blue Devils recorded eight steals, led by Ashlon Jackson’s three, and maintained pressure that limited Louisville’s transition opportunities.
Louisville’s Resilient Comeback
The Cardinals, coached by Jeff Walz, refused to go quietly. After a sluggish start where they missed their first eight shots and fell behind by as many as 15 points, Louisville began chipping away in the second quarter, outscoring Duke 16-14 to trail 37-27 at halftime.
The second half belonged to the home team in stretches. Louisville outscored Duke 31-22 over the final two quarters, mounting a furious rally that saw them briefly take the lead early in the fourth. Players like Elif Istanbulluoglu (13 points), Laura Ziegler, and Reyna Scott provided scoring punch, while the Cardinals’ defense tightened to force Duke into 19 turnovers.
Despite the comeback, Louisville’s shooting woes persisted, particularly from the field, preventing them from fully capitalizing on their momentum. The game remained a defensive grind, with both teams struggling offensively at times but refusing to yield.
Clutch Plays in the Final Moments
The fourth quarter was intense, featuring lead changes and missed opportunities on both sides. Duke went 9-for-10 from the free-throw line overall, including a perfect 6-for-6 in the fourth, which proved crucial in holding off the Cardinals.
With the score tied or close down the stretch, Duke maintained composure. In the game’s defining sequence, Louisville had a chance to tie or win at the line. Imari Berry missed a critical free throw with seconds remaining, and Riley Nelson — one of Duke’s key contributors with 13 points and nine rebounds — secured the rebound with one second left to seal the victory.
Nelson and Taina Mair each added 13 points and nine rebounds, providing balanced scoring and rebounding support alongside Fournier’s standout performance. The trio’s efforts ensured Duke’s offense stayed afloat despite the turnovers.
Key Stats and Performances
- Duke: 23-of-54 from the field (42.6%), 9 blocks, 8 steals. Free throws were a difference-maker at 9-of-10.
- Louisville: 21-of-62 from the field (33.9%), struggled with efficiency but fought back valiantly.
- Duke’s bench and role players contributed defensively, holding Louisville to season lows in multiple categories.
This win validated Duke’s preseason promise after a rocky 3-6 start earlier in the season. Head coach Kara Lawson’s squad has transformed into one of the ACC’s most consistent teams, now owning sole possession of first place in the conference standings.
For Louisville, the loss was a tough pill despite the valiant effort. It ended their bid for an undefeated ACC run but highlighted their resilience and potential for a deep postseason push.
As the ACC race heats up, Duke’s perfect conference record positions them as the team to beat. Their next test comes soon, but for now, the Blue Devils celebrate a massive road upset that echoes through the conference.
This thriller exemplified why women’s college basketball remains must-watch: elite competition, dramatic finishes, and teams rising to the occasion. Duke’s undefeated streak in ACC play continues — and the Blue Devils look poised for more.
