Jackson’s Buzzer-Beater Lifts Duke Past LSU into Elite Eight.

In a dramatic finish during the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, Ashlon Jackson delivered a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer to secure an 87–85 victory for Duke over LSU on March 27, 2026, in Sacramento, California. The shot marked the first game-winning basket of Jackson’s career and propelled the Blue Devils into the Elite Eight. Jackson’s play came after LSU briefly took the lead with 9.2 seconds remaining, when Mikaylah Williams converted two free throws. Duke’s final possession began after a missed three-point attempt by Taina Mair resulted in the ball going out of bounds off LSU, leaving Duke with 2.6 seconds to respond. Jackson received the inbound pass, executed a pump fake to evade defender Flau’jae Johnson, and released a shot from the wing that bounced on the rim before falling through as time expired. Reflecting on the moment, Jackson described the experience as surreal, noting that although she had made buzzer-beaters before, this was her first true game-winner. Despite missing two crucial free throws moments earlier, she emphasized her focus on the next play. Duke, seeded third, improved to 27–8 on the season and will face top-seeded UCLA in the Elite Eight. The Blue Devils were led offensively by Taina Mair and Toby Fournier, who each scored 22 points, while Jackson contributed 19.

LSU, the No. 2 seed, concluded its season with a 29–6 record. MiLaysia Fulwiley led the Tigers with 28 points, while Williams added 22. Johnson, playing in her final collegiate game, finished with 13 points. Despite mounting a comeback from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter, LSU was unable to defend Duke’s final possession. Duke’s victory also served as redemption for an earlier loss to LSU in the ACC-SEC Challenge. Following that defeat, Duke rebounded strongly, winning 24 of its next 26 games and capturing both the ACC regular-season and tournament titles. Throughout the game, Duke maintained offensive efficiency, shooting effectively and building a lead that reached double digits early in the fourth quarter. LSU, known for its high-scoring offense, struggled defensively against Duke’s consistent attack despite strong individual performances. Ultimately, Jackson’s last-second heroics defined the contest, delivering one of the most memorable moments of the tournament and advancing Duke one step closer to a national championship.