Jackson's Buzzer-Beater Lifts Duke Past LSU

Blue Devils advance to Elite Eight with thrilling victory over Tigers

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:25am

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In a back-and-forth battle, Duke guard Ashlon Jackson hit a game-winning buzzer-beater to lift the Blue Devils to an 87-85 victory over LSU in the NCAA Tournament. The shot capped a dramatic finish that saw Duke nearly squander a late lead before Jackson's heroics in the final seconds.

Why it matters

The win sends Duke to the Elite Eight, continuing their tournament run and keeping their national championship hopes alive. For LSU, the heartbreaking loss ends their season after a strong campaign that saw them emerge as one of the top scoring teams in Division I.

The details

Duke jumped out to an early lead thanks to its stifling defense, but LSU battled back in the second half, led by a big game from guard MiLaysia Fulwiley. The Tigers took a late one-point lead, but Jackson's clutch three-pointer as time expired gave the Blue Devils the victory.

  • Duke led by 7 at halftime
  • LSU took a 1-point lead with 9 seconds remaining
  • Jackson hit the game-winning shot as time expired

The players

Ashlon Jackson

A senior guard for Duke who hit the game-winning shot to lift the Blue Devils to victory.

MiLaysia Fulwiley

A bench guard for LSU who led all scorers with 28 points in the loss.

Kara Lawson

The head coach of the Duke women's basketball team.

Kim Mulkey

The head coach of the LSU women's basketball team.

Flau'jae Johnson

A senior forward for LSU who battled through a tough first half to contribute in the second.

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What they’re saying

“I felt like I was in a dream, and it was just playing back over and over again before the ball went in.”

— Ashlon Jackson, Duke Guard

“We just started real lethargic, for whatever reason. We didn't play with a sense of urgency or energy.”

— Kim Mulkey, LSU Head Coach

“Both teams played so hard. It was fitting it came down to the last possession. And there was no doubt who I was going to in that situation.”

— Kara Lawson, Duke Head Coach

What’s next

Duke will face the winner of the matchup between #1 seed South Carolina and #4 seed Arizona in the Elite Eight, with a trip to the Final Four on the line.

The takeaway

This thrilling finish showcased the drama and excitement of March Madness, as Duke and LSU battled down to the wire. Jackson's clutch shot will be remembered as one of the highlights of this year's tournament.