Duke’s Last‑Second Shot, Notre Dame’s Upset and Other Shockers in the Sweet 16

In Fort Worth and Sacramento, the NCAA women’s tournament slashed its field in half after a whirlwind of big losses and thrilling conclusions. The headline moment? Duke’s Ashlon Jackson landing a last‑second 3‑pointer as the buzzer rang, clinching an 87–85 win over LSU and propelling Duke into the Elite Eight for a second straight year. Jackson’s clutch shot, after a night of shaky long‑range shooting, stole the show in a Sweet 16 that saw teams either surge or collapse.

Notre Dame’s Cinderella Run

• Coach Niele Ivey turned criticism into triumph, rallying the Irish to upset No. 2 Vanderbilt and reach the Elite Eight for the first time in six years.
• Despite losing key players, Notre Dame’s turnaround underscores Ivey’s coaching acumen.

Texas and TCU Highlight Reels

• Vic Schaefer displayed his trademark intensity by keeping his jacket on during a dominant win over Kentucky.
• Olivia Miles and Marta Suarez of TCU combined for 61 points to topple Virginia, earning both a spot in the Elite Eight for the first time—showcasing how individual brilliance can carry a team through adversity.

Favorites Fall Flat

• Louisville stumbled against Michigan, losing 71–52 after failing to convert early momentum.
• LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson ended her Elite Eight streak after Duke’s buzzer‑buzzer victory, highlighting how quickly fortunes can shift.
• Coach Kim Mulkey dismissed retirement rumors amid the chaos, reaffirming her commitment to LSU.

NCAA Under Fire

• UConn’s Geno Auriemma blasted the new rims and balls, claiming they hurt 3‑point shooting.
• He also opposed the shift from four regional sites to two, arguing it made the tournament tougher for players and reduced attendance.
• Auriemma’s outburst reflects growing frustration among coaches over the event’s organization.