Duke Eliminates LSU in Sweet 16

Blue Devils advance to Elite 8 after last-second win over Tigers

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:34pm

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In a close game that came down to the final seconds, the Duke Blue Devils defeated the LSU Tigers 87-85 in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA women's basketball tournament. LSU had a chance to win the game at the buzzer, but Ashlon Jackson's shot fell in to eliminate the Tigers and send Duke to the Elite 8.

Why it matters

LSU was one of the top teams in the country this season and was looking to make a deep tournament run, so this loss is a disappointing end to their season. Duke, meanwhile, continues its strong tournament performance and will now face the No. 1 seed UCLA in the Elite 8.

The details

LSU entered the fourth quarter trailing 67-65, but Duke went on an 11-0 run to open the final frame and led by as many as nine points. However, LSU rallied late and took an 85-84 lead with 9 seconds left on a pair of free throws by Mikaylah Williams. Duke missed its first attempt at a game-winning shot, but LSU couldn't corral the rebound, and Duke scored the winning basket at the buzzer.

  • The game was played on March 27, 2026 in Sacramento, California.
  • Duke and LSU were meeting in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament.
  • The game was played at 2:00 PM Pacific Time and aired on ABC.

The players

Ashlon Jackson

Duke player who hit the game-winning shot at the buzzer to eliminate LSU.

Mikaylah Williams

LSU player who scored a team-high 22 points and hit the free throws to give LSU the late lead.

MiLaysia Fulwiley

LSU player who scored a career-high 28 points off the bench to keep LSU in the game.

Flau'Jae Johnson

LSU player in her final game as a Tiger, scoring 13 points and 5 rebounds.

Kim Mulkey

Head coach of the LSU women's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“We must have gotten a little complacent there in the fourth quarter, and Duke took advantage. But I'm proud of the fight our team showed to battle back and put themselves in position to win it at the end.”

— Kim Mulkey, Head Coach, LSU Women's Basketball

What’s next

Duke will face the No. 1 seed UCLA Bruins in the Elite 8 on Sunday, March 30th.

The takeaway

This loss is a tough end to what was otherwise a strong season for the LSU women's basketball team. However, with key players like Mikaylah Williams and MiLaysia Fulwiley returning next year, the future remains bright for the Tigers under coach Kim Mulkey.