Duke women’s basketball seniors are set to play their final home game in the NCAA Tournament as the Blue Devils prepare to face Baylor. The matchup, a rematch of their season opener in Paris, will take place at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Senior guards Ashlon Jackson and Taina Mair have been pivotal to Duke’s success in recent years. Jackson, a four-year player from China, Texas, and Mair, originally from Boston, are concluding their collegiate home careers in this high-stakes Round of 32 clash.
Retention has been a strong suit for Duke’s program in the transfer portal era. The team has lost only a few primary players to other schools, mostly losing key athletes to graduation. This stability has helped the Blue Devils maintain a competitive edge in the ACC.
Mair played all four years in the ACC, including a freshman year at Boston College before transferring to Duke for her final three seasons. She describes Cameron Indoor Stadium as her “home,” despite coming from a high school close to Boston.
Together, Mair and Jackson have contributed to a 76-28 record over three seasons and a 41-13 mark in ACC play. Their leadership helped Duke clinch back-to-back ACC Championships and the 2026 regular season title. Their tournament success includes reaching the Sweet 16 in their first season together and the Elite Eight the following year.
This season, Mair was named the ACC Tournament MVP and made a notable milestone by recording her 657th career assist. This achievement places her seventh all-time in ACC history, surpassing notable players like Georgia Amoore and Olivia Miles.
Mair ranks eighth in Duke’s history for career assists, tallying 440 in her time with the Blue Devils. Head coach Kara Lawson praised Mair’s consistent playmaking ability, highlighting her as one of the most reliable winners on the team.
Ashlon Jackson has earned recognition as an All-ACC selection for two consecutive seasons. She also made the ACC All-Tournament team twice and was named an NCAA Tournament All-Region player. Jackson has been a crucial contributor every year, even without the widespread national attention.
Within the team this season, both seniors rank in the top three for scoring and assists. Mair also ranks third in rebounding, while Jackson is fifth, underscoring their all-around impact beyond leadership roles.
Their influence extends beyond statistics. Sophomore guard Riley Nelson noted the seniors’ leadership and accountability on and off the court. Coach Lawson emphasized how their positive attitudes affect recruits and the overall program culture.
Lawson reflected on their legacy as the most impactful class she has coached in her six years at Duke. Their dedication to the team and love for the program have set a new standard for commitment and consistency.
Mair and Jackson are determined to advance beyond their previous season’s disappointment when Duke fell to South Carolina. They see the upcoming game against Baylor as a crucial chance to keep their Final Four dreams alive.
Duke aims to secure a victory for their seniors in their unofficial last home game. Both Mair and Jackson have expressed bittersweet emotions about the moment but remain focused on delivering strong performances for their home fans.
Jackson remarked on the speed of her college career and the joy of ending it with her teammates at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Both seniors hope to leave a lasting legacy before concluding their tenure with the Blue Devils.
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