In one of the closest games of the tournament yet, it was Ashlon Jackson's innate confidence that made Duke pull through to the end against the heavyweights LSU Tigers, in the Sweet Sixteen.

Jackson's three-point buzzer-beater saw the Blue Devils take an 87-85 lead to secure their qualification to the Elite Eight, after a nervy fourth quarter that could have gone either way.

"My teammates and my coaches, they trust me, and they believe in me," Jackson credited coach Kara Lawson and her team in her postgame interview with ESPN, after scoring the game-winner with nine seconds left on the clock.

Jackson finished with 19 points, shooting 6-of-14 from the field and 2-of-8 from beyond the arc in 36 minutes of action.

Although she missed two free throws that would have given Duke an 86–83 lead with 18 seconds remaining, she redeemed herself on the final play by knocking down a three-pointer despite being just 1-of-7 from deep up to that point.

"I'm very blessed to have that moment, it is such a great feeling," Jackson added after saving Duke's season.

Meanwhile, LSU star Flau'jae Johnson's final moments of her collegiate career ended up on the wrong side of history, and in this case, the moment as well, with Jackson outwitting the 22-year-old at the perimeter as she danced away from Johnson to score the biggest three of her career.

That's just how the game goes. Every competitor knows that. But just having that faith from them and that belief from them, really all I needed... that's pretty much it."

The No. 3-seeded Blue Devils advance to play No. 1 UCLA on March 29.

Can Duke Make it to the Final Four?

Duke will enter the game with strong momentum after knocking out a higher-seeded mammoth in the LSU Tigers. Their chances are realistic, but to a point, because of who they are facing.

UCLA(34-1), as a No.1 seed, brings superior size, depth, and overall consistency. The Bruins have dominated on both ends of the court, particularly efficient in scoring in the paint thanks to center Lauren Betts, who is one of the frontrunners for this year's No.1 overall Draft pick.

While UCLA remains the favourite, Duke has already exceeded expectations and can go toe-to-toe with the Bruins should they once again stretch the game to the fourth quarter and execute under pressure.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Souvik Roy