Minnesota Gophers Advance to Sweet 16 with Last-Second Victory Over Ole Miss

In a thrilling second-round matchup of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament, the No. 4 seed Minnesota Golden Gophers defeated the No. 5 seed Ole Miss Rebels 65-63, marking their first trip to the Sweet 16 in 21 years. The decisive moment came when senior guard Amaya Battle hit a tiebreaking jumper with just 0.8 seconds remaining, sending the home crowd at Williams Arena into a frenzy.

ESPN

Amaya Battle, who finished the game with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, executed a well-practiced play by dribbling along the baseline before making the crucial shot. Her teammate, Mara Braun, led the Gophers with 17 points, including a pivotal three-pointer that tied the game with 1:17 left on the clock. Sophie Hart contributed significantly as well, scoring 10 points and providing a key layup that gave Minnesota a brief lead just before Battle's game-winner.

Amaya Battle’s late jumper sends No. 4 Minnesota to Sweet 16 with 65-63 win over Ole Miss

The game was tightly contested throughout, with both teams exchanging leads. Ole Miss had initially taken control, leading by as many as eight points in the fourth quarter. However, Minnesota's defense tightened, and the Gophers capitalized on a critical moment when Ole Miss star Cotie McMahon fouled out with 4:22 remaining. McMahon, who had scored 15 points, was a significant presence for the Rebels, and her absence shifted the momentum in favor of Minnesota.

Sports Illustrated

Minnesota head coach Dawn Plitzuweit praised Battle's performance, stating, "You can't make this stuff up," highlighting the significance of the victory for the program. Ole Miss coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin expressed disappointment over the officiating, particularly regarding McMahon's fouls, stating, "I just haven't seen the best players get fouled out," while acknowledging that the officiating is human and can be influenced by the environment.

ESPN

Despite the excitement surrounding Minnesota's win, Ole Miss faced criticism regarding the officiating, particularly concerning McMahon's foul situation. McPhee-McCuin noted that the game deserved better, emphasizing that the fans and the game itself were shortchanged by the circumstances. McMahon herself expressed frustration but remained focused on making the right plays for her team.

ESPN

With this victory, Minnesota improves to 24-8 and will advance to Sacramento, where they will face the winner of the matchup between No. 1 seed UCLA and No. 8 seed Oklahoma State. The Gophers aim to continue their momentum and potentially reach the Elite Eight, a feat that would mark a significant milestone for the program.

Sports Illustrated

The Gophers' victory over Ole Miss not only secures their place in the Sweet 16 but also serves as a testament to their resilience and determination. As they prepare for their next challenge, the excitement surrounding Minnesota women's basketball is palpable, with fans eager to see how far this team can go in the tournament.

Sports Illustrated