Duke’s Ashlon Jackson Shines with Buzzer-Beater to Secure Elite Eight Spot
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Ashlon Jackson made history for Duke as she sunk a buzzer-beating 3-pointer, leading the third-seeded Blue Devils to an exhilarating 87-85 victory over the second-seeded LSU Tigers in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Women’s Tournament on Friday night.
A Historic Moment for Jackson
For Jackson, this marked her first-ever game-winning shot, and she couldn’t have scripted it better. “I feel like I’m on cloud nine right now,” she exclaimed post-game.
Timing her shot perfectly, Jackson swayed past LSU defender Flau’Jae Johnson before her captivating three from the wing rolled tantalizingly around the rim before finally falling through the net. This dramatic play triggered an incredible celebration from her teammates and the Duke bench.
The Path to Victory
- Key Players:
- Taina Mair: 22 Points
- Toby Fournier: 22 Points
- Ashlon Jackson: 19 Points
Duke initially surged ahead, leading by 11 points early in the fourth quarter. However, LSU swiftly closed the gap. With just 9.2 seconds remaining, Mikaylah Williams put LSU ahead with two crucial free throws. Taina Mair then missed a 3-pointer, setting the stage for Jackson’s heroics after the ball went out of bounds with just 2.6 seconds left.
“It’s basketball. I would have loved to make those free throws,” reflected Jackson on her earlier missed attempts. “Focus on the next play.”
The game-winning shot comes on the heels of Duke avenging an early season loss to LSU, marking a significant turning point for a team that has now won an impressive 24 of their last 26 games.
Next Challenges for the Blue Devils
Duke (27-8) is set to face top-seeded UCLA in the Elite Eight on Sunday, a rematch after a November game in which the Bruins triumphed. Leading up to this high-stakes encounter, familiarity and past performance will undoubtedly play a pivotal role.
Season Highlights for LSU
Despite their valiant effort, LSU (29-6) had been a powerhouse throughout the season, boasting an incredible record of scoring over 100 points in an NCAA-record 16 games. However, they struggled to rein in a relentless Duke offense and ultimately fell short.
- Top Performers for LSU:
- MiLaysia Fulwiley: 28 Points
- Mikaylah Williams: 22 Points
- Flau’Jae Johnson: 13 Points
LSU coach Kim Mulkey expressed heartbreak at the loss, drawing from her extensive experience in similar situations. “Takes a while to get over it,” she acknowledged.
Looking Ahead
Mulkey, amidst speculation regarding her coaching future, reaffirmed her commitment to LSU. “I’m not retiring,” she stated emphatically. Her focus now shifts to enhancing her team. “I plan on hiring two coaches quickly, get in the portal, and get two or three more players.”
Duke fans are optimistic as they head into their next matchup, eager to see if Jackson’s incredible footwork and clutch shooting can propel them further in the tournament.
For more information on the NCAA Women’s Tournament, visit NCAA.com.
As the action unfolds, stay tuned for updates on Duke’s journey through the [Elite Eight](https://www.ncaa.com/elite-eight), where every game holds the promise of exhilarating moments just like Jackson’s unforgettable buzzer-beater.
