What's Happening?
The 2025-26 women's college basketball season began with a significant upset as No. 16 Baylor defeated No. 7 Duke 58-52 in the opening game of the Oui-Play doubleheader in Paris. Baylor's victory was marked by a strong defensive performance, particularly
in the fourth quarter, where they outscored Duke 15-9. Taliah Scott, a transfer from Auburn, played a crucial role in Baylor's win, scoring 24 points, including key free throws in the final minutes. Meanwhile, Mikayla Blakes led Vanderbilt to a 75-65 victory over California with a 27-point performance.
Why It's Important?
Baylor's upset over Duke highlights the competitive nature of this season's women's college basketball landscape. The victory boosts Baylor's confidence and positions them as a formidable contender in the Big 12. For Duke, the loss underscores the need to address offensive challenges despite their strong defensive capabilities. The game also showcased the impact of key players like Taliah Scott and Mikayla Blakes, whose performances could influence their teams' success throughout the season. The results of these early games set the stage for an exciting and unpredictable season.
What's Next?
As the season progresses, Baylor will look to build on their momentum from the upset victory, while Duke will need to regroup and address their offensive issues. Both teams will face challenging schedules, with Baylor aiming to solidify their position in the Big 12 and Duke seeking to maintain their status as a top contender. The performances of players like Taliah Scott and Mikayla Blakes will be closely monitored as they continue to play pivotal roles for their respective teams. Fans can expect more thrilling matchups as the season unfolds.
