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UVA Women Fall to Duke in Nail-Biter

UVA women's basketball faced a tough challenge against No. 14 Duke, ultimately losing 60-55 after leading for the first three quarters. Coach Mox's team entered the game as significant underdogs but showcased a strong performance, particularly in the early stages. The game began slowly, with both teams combining for just 20 points in the first quarter. UVA's zone defense proved effective, especially with Olivia McGhee's presence at the top of the key, leading to a total of 10 blocks, including five in the opening quarter.

The Wahoos established their physicality early on, with standout defensive plays from Lattimore and Hurd, who both recorded highlight-reel rejections. Despite Duke's resurgence in the second half, UVA's defense kept them competitive, allowing the team to maintain a 29-20 lead at halftime. The Hoos shot 43% from the field and made 4 of 10 from beyond the arc, with McGhee and Lattimore each contributing eight points by the half.

However, the game took a turn in the fourth quarter as UVA struggled against Duke's full-court pressure, leading to six turnovers that allowed Duke to pull ahead with an 11-0 run. Although the Cavaliers only committed 17 turnovers overall, many came in quick succession during critical moments. Duke's dominance on the boards, particularly with 22 offensive rebounds, provided them with extra scoring opportunities, ultimately tipping the scales in their favor.

UVA's starters logged significant minutes, all playing over 29 minutes, and appeared fatigued as Duke capitalized on their mistakes. Despite the loss, Coach Mox can take encouragement from the team's performance, as they showed improvement and resilience throughout the game. The Wahoos will look to bounce back as they prepare to face Virginia Tech in Blacksburg on January 16th.

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