Duke Dominates Radford with 89-36 Victory
- Reigan Richardson contributed significantly in the first quarter, leading Duke to a strong start.
- Duke forced 34 turnovers from Radford, which they converted into 41 points.
- The overwhelming victory showcases Duke's potential for the season.
In their season opener on Monday, November 4, 2024, the Duke Blue Devils showcased a strong performance against Radford, winning decisively 89-36. Reigan Richardson led the team in the first quarter, scoring seven of her 11 points, while Jordan Wood contributed 13 points and eight rebounds. Duke established a commanding lead early in the game, hitting a 26-9 margin in the first quarter. Despite both teams struggling with three-point shooting, Duke’s defense shined, capitalizing on Radford's 34 turnovers to score 41 points off those mistakes. The game saw several other players contributing significantly, with Delaney Thomas adding 12 points, Jadyn Donovan scoring 10 points and securing nine rebounds, while Oluchi Okananwa and Toby Fournier also scored 10 points each. The first half ended with Duke up 40-24, but they further extended their dominance with a staggering 31-6 run in the third quarter. The game highlighted Duke’s early-season potential and ability to exploit opponents' weaknesses effectively. Duke also announced a significant roster update, revealing that sophomore transfer guard Riley Nelson, a 2023 five-star recruit, would redshirt this season due to a previous knee injury sustained while playing for Maryland. This news may affect Duke's depth and strategy as the season progresses. Overall, the blowout win sets a promising tone for Duke's season, showcasing their strong offensive and defensive capabilities against Radford and providing a glimpse of their potential to be a top contender.