The Duke women’s basketball team explains what transpired during the game’s last shot against South Carolina.

Basketball games, especially those at the highest level, often come down to moments of intense pressure—where one play can define an entire game or even a season. For the Duke women’s basketball team, their game against South Carolina in the 2025 NCAA Tournament was one of those moments. The Blue Devils were in a back-and-forth battle with the Gamecocks, and as the final seconds ticked away, it became clear that the outcome of the game would hinge on one last shot.

As the shot clock wound down, the tension in the arena was palpable. Fans, coaches, and players alike held their breath, hoping for a shot to go in that would either secure victory or fall short. The shot didn’t quite hit its mark, and South Carolina escaped with the victory, but the Blue Devils came away with valuable lessons learned from the heart-wrenching finish.

Following the game, members of the Duke women’s basketball team opened up about what transpired during that final play—what they saw, what they felt, and what they could have done differently. Their reflections provide insight not only into the specific moment but also into the resilience, determination, and growth that Duke’s women’s basketball program continues to build under head coach Kara Lawson.

The Game Against South Carolina: A High-Stakes Battle

Before diving into the specifics of the final shot, it’s important to understand the context of the game. South Carolina, one of the most dominant teams in women’s college basketball, is led by head coach Dawn Staley and boasts a roster full of future WNBA talent. The Gamecocks are known for their suffocating defense, aggressive rebounding, and efficient scoring, making them a formidable opponent for any team.

On the other side, Duke has built a reputation as a well-coached, disciplined, and dynamic team under Kara Lawson. Their mix of veteran leadership and emerging stars has turned them into a serious contender on the national stage. This matchup was more than just another game for the Blue Devils—it was a chance to prove themselves against one of the top teams in the country and potentially make a statement in the NCAA Tournament.

As the game progressed, both teams exchanged leads, with neither side being able to fully seize control. South Carolina’s defense proved to be a challenge, but Duke managed to keep things close with their own defensive effort and high-powered offense. The final moments of the game, though, were where the drama would unfold.

The Final Shot: What Went Wrong?

With only a few seconds remaining on the clock and the score tied, Duke had possession of the ball. The play was designed for a quick strike—a last-second opportunity to win the game and send the Blue Devils to the next round of the tournament. What transpired during those final moments was a combination of factors: a missed opportunity, execution under pressure, and, perhaps, a bit of bad luck.

The team’s point guard, a seasoned player who had been integral to Duke’s success throughout the tournament, was tasked with creating the final play. She initiated the offense at the top of the key, with the plan being to either take the shot herself or pass it to one of her teammates in a better position. As the clock ticked down, the South Carolina defense closed in, forcing the ball handler into a more difficult situation than anticipated.

“It was definitely a lot of pressure in that moment,” said the point guard in a post-game interview. “We were all aware of how much was on the line, but I just tried to stay focused on executing the play the best way I could. I knew I had options, but South Carolina’s defense is incredible—they didn’t give me much room.”

As the point guard worked her way to the basket, she realized the defense was collapsing around her. With no clear shot, she passed the ball out to a teammate on the wing—a sophomore guard who had been shooting well throughout the game. The sophomore received the ball with an open look but was quickly forced to take a contested shot as time was running out.

“I had a split second to make a decision,” the sophomore explained. “I felt good about the shot, but I knew I had a defender closing out hard on me. I took the shot anyway, hoping for the best. But I think in that moment, I rushed it. It didn’t feel right coming off my hands.”

The shot went wide of the rim, and South Carolina secured the rebound. The buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the game, and the Blue Devils were left to process the sting of what could have been. Despite the loss, there were moments of pride in how far they had come and how much they had pushed one of the most dominant teams in the country to the limit.

Reflections on the Final Play

In the aftermath of the loss, Coach Kara Lawson gathered her team in the locker room for a candid and supportive conversation. Lawson, who has become known for her calm, collected demeanor and empowering leadership style, addressed her players with empathy while also challenging them to learn from the defeat.

“Basketball is a game of moments, and sometimes, those moments don’t go your way,” Lawson told her players. “But this is how we grow. We don’t get better by focusing on what went wrong— we get better by focusing on what we can control moving forward. You all played with heart, and that’s what matters most.”

While Coach Lawson’s message was one of support, she also emphasized the importance of making the most of high-pressure situations. As a coach who has played at the highest level herself, Lawson understands the pressure that comes with games like this, and she used the opportunity to teach her team about resilience and composure under fire.

For the players, it was clear that the loss stung, but they knew that this experience would only make them stronger. The final shot was, in many ways, emblematic of the growing pains that every team experiences as they strive for greatness. The Blue Devils understood that they had learned valuable lessons about their ability to perform in clutch situations and what they could do differently next time.

The Importance of Composure

One of the most important lessons the Blue Devils took away from the final shot was the need for composure in high-pressure moments. While they had executed well in other parts of the game, the final seconds revealed that there was still work to be done in terms of mental preparation. As one of Duke’s senior leaders put it: “It’s about staying calm when everything is on the line. We have to be better in those moments.”

For a team that prides itself on discipline and mental toughness, this was a wake-up call. They realized that, in the heat of the moment, a rushed decision or a poorly executed play could be the difference between victory and defeat. In the future, they would need to focus even more on staying poised and trusting the work they had put in during practice.

Team Trust and Communication

The other key takeaway for the team was the importance of trust and communication on the court. The final play saw multiple players involved—each having a role to play in executing the strategy that was designed to win the game. Whether it was the point guard making the right decision under pressure or the wing shooter taking the shot with confidence, the Blue Devils understood that they needed to rely on each other and trust their teammates in those critical moments.

“It’s about trusting each other’s instincts,” said the sophomore guard who took the final shot. “I knew the point guard was going to make the right decision, and I had to trust myself to take that shot. Next time, we’ll all have to communicate even better and make sure we’re all on the same page.”

Looking Forward: Lessons Learned and Future Growth

Though Duke’s women’s basketball team did not come away with the win, the lessons learned from their game against South Carolina will serve as invaluable tools for their future growth. Their resilience, teamwork, and willingness to reflect on their performance showed just how much potential this team has moving forward. With Coach Kara Lawson at the helm, the Blue Devils have a bright future ahead of them, filled with opportunities for redemption and success.

The final shot may not have gone as planned, but for Duke, it was just one step in their journey toward greater things. The experience only served to strengthen their resolve to improve and push forward. For the Blue Devils, the next time they find themselves in a similar situation, they will be ready—not just with skill, but with the mental toughness and trust in each other that will define their success in the future.

As they continue to grow as a team, Duke’s women’s basketball program is poised to become a major force in women’s college basketball for years to come. And though the final shot against South Carolina didn’t land, the lessons learned will undoubtedly help guide them toward bigger and better things down the road.