Joanne P. McCallie said she wanted her Duke women’s basketball team to have a tough schedule, and that has already given the No. 6 Blue Devils a mark in the right-side column.
Led by 24 points from Danielle Adams, Texas A&M – which is ranked No. 16 in the coaches’ poll – took control in the first half and rolled to a 95-77 win at noisy Reed Arena.
Duke’s closest approach in the second half was 65-52 with about 14 minutes left, but the Aggies responded with the next 10 points including seven from Adams to win going away.
Duke (1-1) has never beaten the Aggies in three meetings, including the round of 16 in the NCAA Tournament in 2008.
A&M won despite a career-high 26 points by Jasmine Thomas (pictured) for Duke, which also got 11 points from freshman Alison Vernerey.
Tanisha Smith added 19 points, Sydney Colson 17 and Sydney Carter 14 for the Aggies.
Duke’s home opener is against Georgia Southern, Thursday night at 7 at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
