Ashlon Jackson’s 3-pointer at the buzzer lifted Duke to an 87-85 win over LSU in the Sweet 16 of the women’s NCAA tournament.
Jackson said she felt like she was on cloud nine after the shot.
The shot from the wing in front of Duke’s bench rolled around the rim before falling in, sparking a celebration by the Blue Devils.
Duke Advances to Elite Eight
Duke (27-8) will face top-seeded UCLA in the Elite Eight of the Sacramento 2 Region on Sunday. UCLA beat Minnesota in the other regional semifinal.
Taina Mair and Toby Fournier each scored 22 points to lead Duke, while Jackson finished with 19.
Duke took an 11-point lead early in the fourth quarter before LSU cut it to 84-83 with 19 seconds remaining. Jackson was fouled and missed both free throws.
“It’s basketball. I would have loved to make those free throws,” Jackson said. “Focus on the next play.”
LSU’s Late Rally Falls Short
LSU (29-6) had rallied from an 11-point deficit to take the lead on two free throws by Mikaylah Williams with 9.2 seconds left.
Mair missed a 3-pointer from the corner with five seconds left. The ball then went out of bounds off an LSU player with 2.6 seconds left, setting up Jackson’s game-winner.
MiLaysia Fulwiley scored 28 for LSU, and Williams added 22. Johnson finished with 13.
LSU coach Kim Mulkey said it was heartbreaking for her team, players, and fans. She added that she has been around a long time and seen endings like that.
Duke’s Turnaround
Duke avenged an early-season loss to the Tigers. Since that loss, the Blue Devils have won 24 of 26 games, propelling them to both the ACC regular-season and tournament titles.
- Duke defeated LSU 87-85
- Ashlon Jackson hit the game-winning shot for Duke
- Duke will face UCLA in the Elite Eight
LSU had scored more than 100 points in an NCAA-record 16 games this season. However, LSU could not stop Duke’s offense.