Jackson's Buzzer-Beater Lifts Duke Past LSU in Sweet 16

Blue Devils advance to regional final after thrilling comeback win

Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:25am

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Ashlon Jackson's 3-pointer as time expired gave third-seeded Duke an 87-85 win over second-seeded LSU in a dramatic Sweet 16 matchup on Friday. The win sends the Blue Devils to the regional final on Sunday, where they will face top-seeded UCLA.

Why it matters

This was a high-stakes, back-and-forth game between two of the top teams in the NCAA Tournament, with the winner advancing to the Elite Eight. Duke's comeback victory showcases the team's resilience and ability to make clutch plays under pressure.

The details

Duke led most of the night and by as many as 11 points, but LSU rallied multiple times, including a 78-67 deficit in the fourth quarter. The Tigers chipped away again, taking the lead late, before Jackson's game-winning 3-pointer as time expired.

  • The game was played on Friday, March 28, 2026.
  • Duke and LSU were facing off in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament.
  • The game-winning shot by Ashlon Jackson came as time expired.

The players

Ashlon Jackson

A Duke player who hit the game-winning 3-pointer as time expired to lift the Blue Devils to victory.

MiLaysia Fulwiley

An LSU player who led all scorers with 28 points in the loss.

Mikaylah Williams

An LSU player who scored 22 points in the losing effort.

Flau'jae Johnson

An LSU player who scored 13 points in the game.

Taina Mair

A Duke player who had an open look at a game-tying 3-pointer late but missed.

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What they’re saying

“This was a roller-coaster game that came down to the final seconds. Both teams showed a lot of heart and determination, and it was an exciting finish to a great Sweet 16 matchup.”

— Ed Szczepanski, Imagn Images Photographer

What’s next

Duke will face top-seeded UCLA in the regional final on Sunday, March 30, 2026.

The takeaway

This thrilling win for Duke showcases the team's ability to make clutch plays and overcome deficits, setting the stage for an exciting regional final matchup against UCLA with a spot in the Final Four on the line.