Duke's women's basketball team will participate in the inaugural Scripps Sports Women's Basketball Showcase on December 16 in Phoenix. They will face NCAA Champion UCLA in the first game, which starts at 7 p.m. ET. The event features a doubleheader, with Southern California against Miami at 9:30 p.m. ET, both televised nationally on ION. Tickets go on sale August 20, providing fans access to both contests. Duke's head coach, Kara Lawson, is excited about facing a top-tier opponent early in the season.

By the Numbers
  • Duke and UCLA will meet for the sixth time since their first matchup in 1997.
  • UCLA currently leads the series 3-2, having beaten Duke twice last season.
State of Play
  • Duke, ranked fifth in the final AP poll last season, returns three of five starters from their ACC Championship team.
  • New additions include transfer Aaliyah Crump, the No. 5 recruit in the 2025 class, and Emilee Skinner, ranked No. 4.
What's Next

The Scripps Sports Women's Basketball Showcase aims to elevate women's sports visibility while Duke prepares for ACC play. The matchups are expected to serve as valuable early-season tests for both teams.

Bottom Line

This showcase not only highlights Duke's commitment to competing against elite teams but also signifies a growing platform for women's basketball on a national stage, promising fans an exciting season ahead.