Duke Survives Late Surge, Tops Louisville 59–58 to Claim ACC Lead

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The KFC Yum! Center was electric at tipoff Thursday night. Four minutes later, it was nearly silent.

That emotional swing mirrored the game itself as No. 22/17 Duke held on for a dramatic 59–58 road win over Louisville, snapping the Cardinals’ 14-game winning streak and vaulting the Blue Devils into sole possession of first place in the ACC.

Behind 15 points from forward Toby Fournier, Duke secured its second ranked victory of the season and extended its winning streak to 14 games. The win also marked the program’s first road victory at Louisville and left Duke as the only unbeaten team in conference play.

Duke couldn’t have asked for a better start. Riley Nelson and Taina Mair beat the shot clock on back-to-back possessions, and Fournier knocked down an open three to cap a 7–0 run. The Blue Devils were nearly flawless early, while Louisville struggled to find any rhythm. With 5:24 left in the first quarter, the Cardinals trailed 13–1 as Duke controlled both ends of the floor.

The Blue Devils outscored Louisville 23–11 in the opening quarter and carried a 37–27 advantage into halftime. But the Cardinals weren’t done.

Louisville opened the third quarter with renewed energy, cutting into the deficit with strong interior play and a corner three that brought the crowd back to life. Duke steadied itself behind senior captain Ashlon Jackson, who snapped a prolonged scoring drought with a midrange jumper despite starting the night 0-for-7 from the field. On the next possession, Arianna Roberson drilled a three to push the lead back to eight.

Still, Louisville surged again late in the third, trimming the margin to 46–43 heading into the final frame.

The fourth quarter delivered pure chaos.

Louisville guard Reyna Scott converted an and-one to tie the game, then Laura Ziegler buried a three to give the Cardinals their first lead of the night. Duke responded, and with the game tightening under four minutes, Jackson delivered once more — this time knocking down a clutch three to put the Blue Devils back in front.

Louisville refused to fold. Two free throws and a three cut Duke’s lead to two with under a minute remaining. After a missed three by Riley Nelson, Taina Mair secured a crucial rebound, but Duke stumbled on the ensuing inbound following an intentional foul.

The Cardinals had one final chance.

Duke turned the ball over, sending Imari Berry to the line with one second left. Berry made the first free throw, then watched the second rattle in and out. The miss sealed Duke’s gritty 59–58 victory.

Fournier finished with 15 points and nine rebounds, while Riley Nelson and Taina Mair each added 13 points and nine boards. Duke overcame a 16–9 third-quarter deficit and survived a late Louisville rally to remain perfect in ACC play.

The Blue Devils (17–6, 12–0 ACC) return home Sunday, Feb. 8, to host SMU at Cameron Indoor Stadium before welcoming rival UNC on Feb. 18.