No. 2 Seed Dukes Women’s Basketball HC Sends Strong 5-Word Message to UNC After Sweet 16 Thriller
In a gripping Sweet 16 showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats, the No. 2 seeded Dukes Women’s Basketball team edged out the University of North Carolina in a high-stakes March Madness clash. The intensity of the game lived up to the tournament’s legacy, with both teams battling fiercely for a spot in the Elite Eight.
The game, which ended in a 74-70 victory for the Dukes, showcased the tenacity and grit of both squads. UNC fought valiantly, staying within striking distance the entire game. But it was the Dukes’ defensive resilience and clutch shooting in the final minutes that sealed the deal. The star of the night, senior guard Maya Thompson, delivered a stunning performance with 22 points, 5 assists, and key free throws down the stretch.
After the game, Dukes head coach Carla Reynolds wasted no time in expressing her pride—and sending a message. When asked about facing a storied program like UNC and what the win meant for her team, Reynolds confidently responded with a strong five-word statement: **“We’re not scared of anyone.”**
The message was clear: the Dukes have arrived, and they’re not backing down. For a team that has flown under the radar despite an impressive season, this win was a statement not just to UNC, but to the entire NCAA bracket.
Reynolds, now in her fourth year as head coach, has transformed the Dukes into a powerhouse, leading them to their best record in program history. Her focus on discipline, defense, and self-belief has become the team’s trademark. “We came into this tournament knowing we deserved to be here,” she said postgame. “UNC is a great team, but our girls believed from the jump.”
The matchup was physical, fast-paced, and emotional—March Madness at its finest. Both sidelines were electric, with fans and players feeling the pressure of the moment. But it was the Dukes who maintained their composure when it counted most.
With this win, the Dukes now advance to the Elite Eight, where they’ll face another formidable opponent. But if Reynolds’ words and her team’s play are any indication, they’re ready for anyone who stands in their path.
The message has been sent—and the tournament is officially on notice.
