Here’s how Ashlon Jackson helped Duke women’s basketball reach the Sweet 16 despite early shooting difficulties.

The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year, filled with dramatic moments, breakout performances, and intense competition. For teams looking to make deep runs, a combination of talent, determination, and resilience is essential, especially when faced with adversity. One such story of resilience in the 2023 tournament is that of Ashlon Jackson and her pivotal role in helping Duke Women’s Basketball advance to the Sweet 16, despite the team’s early struggles with shooting.

Duke University’s women’s basketball team has long been a powerhouse in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), consistently competing at the highest level and establishing a legacy of excellence. However, in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, the Blue Devils faced numerous challenges, particularly in their shooting performance early in the tournament. Despite this, Ashlon Jackson, a key player on the team, emerged as a crucial figure in helping the Blue Devils overcome their early struggles and reach the coveted Sweet 16.

In this article, we explore the ways in which Ashlon Jackson became an instrumental part of Duke Women’s Basketball’s journey through the tournament, detailing her contributions both on and off the court, the challenges she helped the team overcome, and how her leadership and adaptability helped guide the Blue Devils to success when they needed it the most.

Ashlon Jackson: A Rising Star in Duke Women’s Basketball

Before delving into Jackson’s specific role in Duke’s tournament run, it’s important to first understand who she is as a player. Ashlon Jackson, a standout guard, had already made a name for herself in the ACC before her impressive performance in the NCAA Tournament. Known for her athleticism, versatility, and leadership skills, Jackson was a key contributor for the Blue Devils throughout the regular season. Her ability to play both sides of the ball—defending and scoring—was a key asset to the team’s success.

Jackson’s background as a high-caliber recruit and her experiences playing in tough, competitive environments made her a natural leader for Duke. In the 2022-2023 season, she averaged solid numbers, contributing significantly to Duke’s offense and defense. Despite the Blue Devils’ overall team strength, however, the team faced struggles in certain areas, particularly in shooting efficiency, which would come to the forefront in the NCAA Tournament.

In the NCAA tournament, Jackson’s ability to adapt and lead the team during moments of adversity would define her legacy as one of Duke’s key players. Her composure, leadership, and adaptability were key factors in ensuring the Blue Devils continued to progress toward their goal of making the Sweet 16.

Duke Women’s Basketball’s Shooting Struggles in the Early Rounds

As the Blue Devils entered the NCAA Tournament, they were ranked as one of the top teams in the field, with high hopes of making a deep run. However, things didn’t go as smoothly as expected in their early games. While the team’s defense remained elite, their shooting was far from their usual standard.

In the first round of the tournament, Duke faced a lower-seeded opponent that posed a challenge to their offensive game plan. Despite being favored to win, Duke struggled to find their rhythm from the field. Their shooting percentage was below average, and the team had difficulty converting key possessions into points. For a team that relied heavily on efficient scoring, this early shooting struggle was concerning, especially considering the added pressure of tournament play.

Throughout the first two rounds, the Blue Devils saw multiple scoring droughts, which at times seemed to stymie their flow of play. While Duke’s defense kept them competitive in both games, their shooting difficulties created moments of tension. With the stakes higher than ever, the team needed someone to step up and help the offense find its rhythm. This is where Ashlon Jackson came into play.

Ashlon Jackson’s Role in Overcoming Shooting Struggles

As the team’s shooting woes continued to linger, Jackson emerged as a steadying force, both offensively and emotionally. She demonstrated leadership in ways that went beyond scoring—although she contributed on that front as well—but also in terms of providing a calming presence for her teammates when the pressure was mounting.

Defensive Impact and Transition Play

While Duke’s offense faltered, Jackson’s defense remained a stronghold for the Blue Devils. Jackson’s defensive prowess allowed Duke to create fast-break opportunities, leading to easier scoring chances. Her ability to read the opposing offense, generate steals, and push the ball in transition helped Duke stay competitive in situations where their shooting wasn’t clicking.

In the second round of the tournament, with Duke facing a more formidable opponent, Jackson’s defense was particularly vital. In addition to guarding some of the opponent’s best players, Jackson’s ability to push the pace of the game allowed Duke to exploit mismatches and create high-percentage opportunities in transition. These quick, high-energy possessions helped the Blue Devils score efficiently despite their shooting difficulties, showcasing Jackson’s importance as a two-way player.

Scoring in the Clutch

While Jackson’s defense was crucial, her contributions on offense became just as important as the tournament progressed. In one of Duke’s most intense games during the second round, Jackson found herself in a position to carry the scoring load when her teammates were struggling to find their shot. She took it upon herself to drive the ball aggressively to the basket, getting to the free-throw line and converting key points.

Her ability to create her own shot was vital in moments where Duke needed someone to take charge offensively. Jackson’s court vision and decision-making helped create better opportunities for her teammates when she wasn’t the one scoring. Her poise and assertiveness under pressure were key factors in Duke’s ability to maintain their lead in a tightly contested game. In a game where Duke was struggling to score from beyond the arc, Jackson’s mid-range game and free-throw shooting became an essential part of their offensive strategy.

A Leader in the Locker Room

While Jackson’s contributions on the court were obvious, her leadership off the court was just as influential. She became the vocal leader of the team during moments of adversity, helping to keep her teammates focused on the task at hand. When frustration started to creep in due to shooting difficulties, Jackson’s calming presence was invaluable in rallying the team.

Her communication with her teammates during timeouts and huddles was crucial in helping the Blue Devils stay motivated and unified. She encouraged her teammates to remain confident in their abilities, stressing the importance of staying focused on their defense and taking smart, calculated shots when the opportunity arose. As the team’s primary leader, Jackson set the tone for Duke’s mental toughness and refusal to back down from the challenge.

Critical Moments in Duke’s Tournament Run

Despite the shooting struggles that initially held Duke back, Jackson’s efforts helped propel the Blue Devils into the Sweet 16. In their third-round matchup, Duke faced an extremely talented team that had previously dominated in their tournament games. However, Jackson’s leadership and all-around play ensured that the Blue Devils were able to overcome the challenge and keep their hopes alive for a deep tournament run.

Key Moments in Round 3: A Resilient Victory

During the Sweet 16-clinching game, Duke’s shooting woes persisted, but Jackson’s all-around game provided the necessary spark. With the game tied in the final minutes, Jackson made several key plays on both ends of the court. On defense, she created a critical steal that led to an easy transition bucket, giving Duke the momentum they needed. Then, on offense, Jackson calmly knocked down a clutch mid-range jumper with under a minute left, providing the Blue Devils with a crucial lead.

Her leadership was critical in making sure the team stayed focused during the stretch run, where every possession counted. She took control of the ball in critical moments, running the offense and setting up her teammates for good looks. Though the team’s shooting difficulties weren’t completely resolved, Jackson’s ability to step up in these critical moments allowed Duke to control the game’s flow and secure the victory.

Looking Forward: Jackson’s Role in the Sweet 16 and Beyond

As Duke prepared for the Sweet 16, Ashlon Jackson’s impact was undeniable. While the Blue Devils had not been at their best offensively throughout the tournament, Jackson’s leadership and ability to elevate her game under pressure had helped guide the team to this point. As they faced a top-tier opponent in the next round, Jackson’s poise and ability to perform in clutch moments would be pivotal in whether or not the Blue Devils could continue their tournament run.

Throughout the tournament, Jackson proved herself to be not only one of Duke’s best players but also one of the toughest competitors. Her ability to step up when the team needed it most, particularly when faced with shooting struggles, was an indication of her potential to lead the Blue Devils in the postseason. Her versatility and leadership would remain crucial as Duke sought to go even further in the tournament.