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The No. 2 Duke Blue Devils host the No. 15 Charleston Cougars in the first round of the women’s NCAA Tournament Friday at 11:30 a.m. ET. The Blue Devils have gone 21-2 over their past 23 games.
Charleston vs. Duke will air on ESPN2, and streams live on DIRECTV (free trial).
What: NCAA Women’s Tournament, First Round
Who: No. 15 Charleston Cougars vs. No. 2 Duke Blue Devils
When: Friday, March 20, 2026
Where: Cameron Indoor Stadium, Durham, North Carolina
Time: 11:30 a.m. ET
TV: ESPN2
Live stream: DIRECTV (free trial), FuboTV (free trial)
DIRECTV (free trial) is the best watching option for all March Madness games. Along with a free trial, a DIRECTV subscription gives you access to truTV, CBS, TNT and TBS, the four channels which March Madness games will broadcast. DIRECTV is a comprehensive internet TV service that offers your favorite entertainment, news and sports channels, as well as local TV stations and regional sports networks. It’s the only choice for fans who want full access to local, televised sports.
What to know about Charleston vs. Duke
Duke comes in with that classic Blue Devils identity: tough defense, methodical offense, and a roster that doesn’t mind grinding out possessions. They’re the team that wants to slow things down, dictate tempo, and make you feel every half‑court set.
Charleston on the other hand, is bringing the exact kind of energy you expect from a mid‑major that’s been waiting for this stage. They play fast, they shoot confidently, and they don’t shy away from big‑moment swings. This team loves to push in transition, and if they get hot from the perimeter, they can turn a run into a full‑on problem in a hurry.
There’s also some fun individual battles here. Duke’s length on the perimeter is going to challenge Charleston’s guards, but Charleston’s quickness and willingness to attack might pull Duke’s defense into some tricky spots. Second‑chance points and turnovers could quietly end up defining the whole thing.
It’s one of those games where the favorite has the tools to control things from start to finish, but the underdog has exactly the kind of volatility that can flip a bracket on its head. If Duke keeps it slow and steady, they probably walk out of this comfortably. If Charleston gets rolling early, though, don’t be surprised if this one gets more interesting than expected.
Can I bet on Charleston vs. Duke?
Yes, Duke is a 32.5-point favorite over Charleston on FanDuel.