Part 4/6:
The second half saw a contrasting dynamic as Duke ramped up the intensity of their defense. The Blue Devils unleashed a full-court press that disrupted Incarnate Word's rhythm and tempo. With their opponents forced into hurried shots and turnovers, Duke quickly distanced themselves on the scoreboard, outscoring the Cardinals by a significant margin.
As the game progressed, Duke's seamless transitions from defense to offense became apparent. Players like Seon James and Isaiah Evans finalized impressive lobs and crucial three-pointers to keep the momentum squarely with the Blue Devils. The consistent scoring from Duke effectively demoralized Incarnate Word, whose early-game strategies faltered under the intensified pace.