BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Duke women’s basketball will have ACC Rookie of the Year Toby Fournier in its Sweet 16 matchup against North Carolina on Friday in the 2025 NCAA Tournament at Legacy Arena.
The Blue Devils were without Fournier in their second-round game over Oregon, coach Kara Lawson saying postgame that the Canada native “wasn’t feeling well,” and that doctors did not clear her to play. Lawson confirmed to media Thursday that the 6-foot-2 forward will be available for Duke’s meeting against the Tar Heels.
“Toby will play (Friday),” Lawson said.
Fournier is Duke’s leading scorer, averaging 13.4 points, appearing in 33 of Duke’s 35 games. She was a key part of Duke’s 68-53 win over the Tar Heels on Feb. 27, positing a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds to combine with Ashlon Jackson and Reigan Richardson for 53 of Duke’s 68 points.
Fournier was 0-for-8 from the field in the first contest against the Tar Heels. She scored two points, both coming from free throws and pulled down six rebounds.
“I’m feeling great,” Fournier said Thursday. “I’m here. Well rested, well hydrated. I’m ready to go.”
Fournier posted 11 points, four rebounds, three steals and two assists in the Blue Devils’ 86-25 win over Lehigh in its NCAA opener.
Duke and North Carolina are set to tipoff at 1:30 p.m. CT at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama (ESPN). It is the first meeting between the in-state rivals in the NCAA Tournament. The teams split their regular-season series, North Carolina winning the Jan. 9 matchup, 53-46, in overtime and Duke evening the series with a 68-53 win on Feb. 27.
