Battle’s Last-Second Heroics Send Minnesota to First Sweet 16 in Over Two Decades

By Rosemary

In a dramatic finish that will be remembered as one of the defining moments of their season, Minnesota Golden Gophers women’s basketball guard Amaya Battle delivered a clutch performance, sinking a tiebreaking jump shot with just 0.7 seconds remaining to secure a 65-63 victory over the Ole Miss Rebels women’s basketball in the second round of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday.

The win marks a historic milestone for Minnesota, which advances to the Sweet 16 for the first time in 21 years, capping off a fiercely contested matchup that featured multiple lead changes and a tense final sequence.

Battle, who showcased her all-around brilliance throughout the game, finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. Her defining moment came in the closing seconds when she received the inbound pass near the paint, maneuvered along the baseline to create separation, and calmly knocked down the decisive shot. As the ball swished through the net, she fell to the floor, immediately surrounded by jubilant teammates celebrating a breakthrough victory.

Minnesota, the tournament’s No. 4 seed, improved to 24-8 on the season with the win. The team briefly regrouped after the celebration to defend one final possession. Mississippi, seeded fifth, had a last opportunity to respond, but Tianna Thompson missed a contested three-point attempt from the top of the key as time expired, sealing the Rebels’ fate.

Mara Braun led Minnesota in scoring with 17 points and played a pivotal role in the closing stretch. With 1:17 remaining, Braun knocked down a crucial three-pointer to tie the game, shifting momentum in Minnesota’s favor. Moments later, she contributed defensively by helping force a shot-clock violation, further tightening the pressure on Mississippi.

Sophie Hart added 10 points and delivered a key basket late in the fourth quarter. With just 18 seconds left, Hart executed a determined move in the post, finishing a drop-step with a short bank shot to give Minnesota its first lead since early in the third quarter.

Mississippi responded quickly. Latasha Lattimore drove to the basket and converted a game-tying layup with just three seconds remaining, setting the stage for Battle’s game-winning heroics.

The Rebels, who fell to 24-12, faced a significant setback late in the game when leading scorer Cotie McMahon fouled out with 4:22 remaining after contributing 15 points. Her absence proved costly, as Mississippi struggled offensively down the stretch, enduring a scoring drought that lasted more than three minutes during a critical phase of the contest.

With the victory, Minnesota now turns its attention to the Sweet 16 in Sacramento, where it will face the winner of the matchup between UCLA Bruins women’s basketball and Oklahoma State Cowgirls basketball. The Gophers carry with them not only momentum but also the confidence of a team that has proven its ability to deliver under pressure when it matters most.