Oregon and Duke emphasize strong defensive play in matchup

The Oregon Ducks are set to face the Duke Blue Devils in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday. Oregon, a No. 10 seed, aims to upset the No. 2 seed Blue Devils. Both teams are known for their strong defensive play. Oregon's defense was key in their recent overtime victory against Vanderbilt, where they built a significant lead before allowing a late comeback. Duke, on the other hand, dominated their game against Lehigh, limiting them to just 25 points, one of the lowest totals in tournament history. Oregon guard Peyton Scott noted that Duke is disciplined on defense and excels in rebounding. The Ducks have size advantages with 6-4 Amina Muhammad and 6-8 Phillipina Kyei in the frontcourt. Duke's tallest starter stands at 6-3. Oregon coach Kelly Graves stressed the need for effective shooting, especially after their 50% performance from three-point range in the last game. Duke fans are expected to create a lively atmosphere, particularly for Oregon guard Deja Kelly, who previously played for North Carolina. Kelly said she looks forward to the noise and energy of the crowd, recognizing it as part of the excitement of tournament play. The game will take place at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina.