Duke's Dramatic Buzzer-Beater Sends Blue Devils to Elite Eight
In a heart-stopping finish on Friday night, Ashlon Jackson of the Duke Blue Devils delivered a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer to secure an 87-85 victory over the Louisiana State Tigers in the Sweet 16 of the women's NCAA Tournament. Jackson's shot from the wing, executed after a clever fake on LSU defender Flau'Jae Johnson, rolled tantalisingly around the rim before dropping in, sparking wild celebrations among the third-seeded Blue Devils.
This dramatic play capped a thrilling comeback by second-seeded LSU, who had rallied from an 11-point deficit to take the lead with just 9.2 seconds remaining, thanks to two clutch free throws from Mikaylah Williams. The stage was set for Jackson's heroics after Taina Mair missed a three-pointer with five seconds left, and the ball went out of bounds off an LSU player, giving Duke possession with 2.6 seconds on the clock.
With this win, Duke (27-8) advances to face top-seeded UCLA in the Elite Eight of the Sacramento 2 Region on Sunday. UCLA secured their spot with a dominant 80-56 victory over Minnesota in the other regional semifinal.
Notre Dame's Hidalgo Posts Rare Triple-Double in Victory
In another standout performance, Hannah Hidalgo of Notre Dame achieved a remarkable triple-double, propelling the sixth-seeded Fighting Irish to a 67-64 win over No. 2 seed Vanderbilt. Hidalgo tallied 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 steals, also setting the NCAA single-season record for steals. Her crucial assist in the final minute led to Cassandre Prosper's go-ahead basket, sealing the victory.
Vanderbilt's Mikayla Blakes, the Division I scoring leader, fought back from a slow start to finish with 26 points but ultimately missed a three-pointer as time expired. Notre Dame (25-10) now prepares to face defending national champions and top-seeded UConn in the Elite Eight on Sunday.
UCLA and UConn Advance with Commanding Wins
Top-seeded UCLA demonstrated their strength with an 80-56 triumph over Minnesota, led by Kiki Rice's 21 points and Lauren Betts' 16. The Bruins (34-1) controlled the game after halftime, extending their lead and never looking back. They aim to return to the Final Four for the second consecutive season.
Meanwhile, UConn continued their undefeated streak with a 63-42 victory over North Carolina. Sarah Strong, an All-America sophomore forward, shone with 21 points and 10 rebounds, helping the Huskies (37-0) advance to their 30th Elite Eight. UConn will meet Notre Dame in a highly anticipated matchup, renewing a historic rivalry in March Madness.
These results set the stage for an exciting Elite Eight weekend, with key games determining who will advance to the Final Four in Phoenix.
