Minnesota sinks last-second jumper to beat Mississippi, advance to Sweet 16

Amaya Battle's game-winning shot with 0.7 seconds left lifts the Gophers to a 65-63 victory.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:04pm

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Amaya Battle hit a tiebreaking jump shot with 0.7 seconds left, lifting Minnesota past Mississippi 65-63 in the second round of the women's NCAA Tournament on Sunday to reach the Sweet 16 for the first time in 21 years. Battle finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, including the game-winning shot that sent the No. 4 seed Gophers (24-8) to the regional semifinals.

Why it matters

Minnesota's victory over Mississippi (24-12) marks the Gophers' first trip to the Sweet 16 since 2005, a significant milestone for the program. The dramatic finish also showcases the excitement and unpredictability of the NCAA women's basketball tournament.

The details

With the game tied at 63-63, Battle took the inbound pass near the paint, dribbled out along the baseline for more space, and swished the game-winning jumper as time expired. The Gophers swarmed their senior point guard in celebration before regrouping to defend Mississippi's final possession, where Tianna Thompson's 3-point attempt fell short.

  • The game was played on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
  • Battle hit the game-winning shot with 0.7 seconds remaining on the clock.

The players

Amaya Battle

A senior point guard for the Minnesota Gophers who hit the game-winning shot to send her team to the Sweet 16.

Mara Braun

A Minnesota player who scored 17 points in the victory, including the tying 3-pointer in the final minutes.

Sophie Hart

A Minnesota player who gave the Gophers their first lead since early in the third quarter with a determined drop-step to the basket for a short bank shot with 18 seconds left.

Cotie McMahon

The leading scorer for Mississippi, who fouled out with 4:22 remaining, putting the senior transfer on the bench for the crucial final stretch.

Tianna Thompson

A Mississippi player whose 3-point attempt at the buzzer fell short, sealing the Gophers' victory.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Gophers will face the winner of the game between No. 1 seed UCLA and No. 8 seed Oklahoma State in the Sweet 16 in Sacramento, California.

The takeaway

Minnesota's dramatic victory over Mississippi showcases the excitement and unpredictability of the NCAA women's basketball tournament, as the Gophers reached the Sweet 16 for the first time in over two decades with a last-second game-winning shot.