Duke Women's Basketball Stuns LSU With Buzzer-Beater in Sweet 16

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In a thrilling finish that will be remembered for years to come, the No. 3-seeded Duke women's basketball team defeated the No. 2-seeded LSU Tigers 87-85 in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Women's Tournament on March 27. The game concluded with a dramatic buzzer-beater from Duke's Ashlon Jackson, marking a stunning upset and sending the Blue Devils to the Elite Eight.

Jackson's game-winning shot, a three-pointer from the wing, rolled around the rim before finally dropping in, igniting wild celebrations among her teammates and fans. "I feel like I'm on cloud nine right now," said Jackson after the game. This was her first career game-winner, and she described the moment as surreal, stating, "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."

The victory improved Duke's record to 27-8, as they now prepare to face top-seeded UCLA in the Elite Eight on March 29. Meanwhile, LSU's season came to a close with a record of 29-6, marking their fourth consecutive Sweet 16 appearance. The Tigers had been formidable all season, but their inability to finish close games proved detrimental in this matchup.

The game was a rollercoaster of momentum, with Duke initially taking control, leading by as much as 11 points in the fourth quarter. The Blue Devils established their dominance early, scoring 26 points in the paint and grabbing 21 offensive rebounds throughout the game. LSU struggled to contain Duke's scoring, particularly in the first half, where they trailed 47-40 at halftime.

LSU's MiLaysia Fulwiley was a standout performer, leading all scorers with a career-high 28 points, along with four assists. Fulwiley's scoring prowess kept the Tigers competitive, especially in the first half where she scored 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting. Junior guard Mikaylah Williams also contributed significantly, adding 22 points and making two clutch free throws that briefly gave LSU an 85-84 lead with just 9.2 seconds remaining.

The game was tightly contested throughout, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. Duke's Taina Mair and Toby Fournier each scored 22 points, providing key support for Jackson's heroics. The Blue Devils capitalized on LSU's defensive lapses, forcing 11 turnovers and converting them into points.

As the fourth quarter unfolded, LSU managed to rally back from a ten-point deficit, fueled by Fulwiley's relentless drive and Williams' scoring. With the clock winding down, LSU had the chance to secure their lead. After a missed shot by Duke, Williams made two free throws to put LSU ahead 85-84.

But Duke wasn't finished. Following a series of tense possessions, Jackson missed two free throws that could have extended Duke's lead. The ball went out of bounds, and after a review, it was awarded to LSU. But LSU's moment was short-lived. Flau'jae Johnson, in her final game as a Tiger, drove to the basket but missed, and LSU failed to secure the rebound.

In the final seconds, Duke executed a well-planned inbound play. With only 2.6 seconds remaining, Jackson received the ball, dribbled around Johnson, and launched the three-pointer that would seal LSU's fate. Coach Kim Mulkey, visibly emotional after the game, remarked on the heartbreaking nature of the loss, saying, "It's basketball. I would have loved to make those free throws. Focus on the next play."

Throughout the game, LSU struggled with rebounding, allowing Duke to dominate the boards, particularly in the paint. LSU's four post players combined for just 16 points, a stark difference from Duke's interior scoring. The Tigers' inability to secure defensive rebounds was a recurring theme that haunted them throughout the contest.

Fulwiley's performance, though stellar, wasn't enough to overcome the collective efforts of Duke. The Blue Devils' strategy of attacking the paint and their relentless offensive rebounding paid dividends, as they capitalized on second-chance opportunities. LSU's shooting woes, especially from their star guards, compounded their struggles; Flau'jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams combined for only 3-of-14 shooting in the first half.

As the dust settles on this dramatic encounter, the Blue Devils celebrate their triumph and prepare for their next challenge against UCLA. For the Tigers, the loss serves as a painful reminder of the thin line between victory and defeat in high-stakes tournament play. With the season now concluded, LSU will look to regroup and build for the future, hoping to return stronger next year.

As the teams exited the court, the echoes of the final buzzer lingered in the air, a poignant reminder of the passion and intensity that defines March Madness. With Duke advancing, the excitement continues, but for LSU, the road ahead will require reflection and resilience.