The Duke Blue Devils were defeated by defending national champions the South Carolina Gamecocks 54-50 in the Elite 8 of the Women’s National Championship in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Blue Devils held South Carolina to just 54 points, significantly below their 80.5 points-per-game average. Duke also limited the Gamecocks to season lows in field goals made, total attempts, and assists. Their defensive intensity kept them competitive despite offensive struggles throughout the contest.

Duke was led by 18 points and six rebounds from Toby Fournier, Ashlon Jackson adding 13 points with six assists. Chloe Kitts led South Carolina with 14 points and four rebounds, Sania Feagin adding 12 points and Te-Hina Paopao 9. The Blue Devils finished the day shooting 31.7% (19-of-60) from the field, South Carolina shooting 43.2% (19-of-44).