SACRAMENTO, Calif. – In a thrilling conclusion to the Sweet 16 of the women’s NCAA Tournament, Ashlon Jackson etched her name in history with a game-winning shot that propelled third-seeded Duke to an 87-85 victory over second-seeded LSU. The iconic moment came as Jackson sank a 3-pointer at the buzzer, igniting a jubilant celebration among her teammates and fans alike.
“I feel like I’m on cloud nine right now,” Jackson exclaimed after the game, encapsulating the ecstasy of her first game-winner on such a grand stage. The shot, taken from the wing in front of Duke’s bench, rolled tantalizingly around the rim before finally falling through the net, sealing Duke’s advancement to the Elite Eight.
The drama of the contest was palpable. Duke, which entered the fourth quarter with an 11-point lead, found itself in a tight battle as LSU clawed back, eventually taking the lead with two free throws from Mikaylah Williams with just 9.2 seconds remaining. However, the Blue Devils were not to be denied. After a missed 3-pointer by Taina Mair and a subsequent out-of-bounds call that favored Duke, it set the stage for Jackson’s heroics.
“Never had a game-winner. Plenty of buzzer-beaters before,” Jackson reflected on her experience. “The way it went in, I felt like I was in a dream and it was playing back over and over again before the ball went in.” With Jackson contributing 19 points alongside 22 points from both Mair and Toby Fournier, Duke showcased an offensive prowess that proved pivotal in their victory.
The matchup was not without its challenges for Duke. After taking command early, they faced a resilient LSU squad that had been nearly unstoppable on offense throughout the season, boasting 16 games with over 100 points—a record in NCAA history. LSU’s MiLaysia Fulwiley led her team with 28 points, while Williams contributed 22 points, showcasing the Tigers’ scoring depth.
Despite their offensive firepower, LSU’s inability to contain Duke’s scoring ultimately proved decisive. LSU head coach Kim Mulkey expressed her disappointment, saying, “Heartbreaking for your team and your players and fans,” reflecting on the emotional weight of the loss.
Duke’s victory avenged an earlier season loss to LSU during the ACC-SEC challenge, with the Blue Devils having since turned their season around, winning 24 of their last 26 games and securing both the ACC regular season and tournament titles.
Looking ahead, Duke is set to face UCLA in the Elite Eight, a rematch of their earlier contest in November where the Bruins had claimed victory. This upcoming game promises to be another intense battle as both teams fight for a spot in the Final Four.
As the tournament progresses, fans can stay updated on the NCAA Women’s Bracket and coverage via the Associated Press: AP March Madness bracket and AP coverage.
