Buzzer-beater lifts Aggies in overtime
Jordan Nixon banked in a short jump shot at the buzzer in overtime, giving her a career-high 35 points and lifting No. 2 Texas A&M to an 84-82 victory over seventh-seeded Iowa State in the second round of the women’s NCAA Tournament on Wednesday at San Antonio.
Nixon scored seven of A&M’s nine points in OT, pushing the Aggies (25-2) into the Sweet 16 for the third straight time. She also led the rally in the fourth quarter, scoring the last four points of regulation.
A three by Lexi Donarski put the Cyclones up by two with two minutes left in overtime, and Nixon tied it with a layup a few seconds later. Ciera Johnson blocked a layup by Ashley Joens with 3 seconds left before Nixon drove into the lane and threw up the game-winner.
Joens had 32 points and 18 rebounds for the Cyclones (17-11), who went 16 for 30 from three-point range.
MERCADO REGION
Indiana 70, Belmont
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48: Grace Berger scored 17 points and the Hoosiers used another suffocating defensive effort to beat the Bruins (21-6), sending fourth-seeded Indiana (17-9) to the program’s first Sweet 16.
Arizona 52, BYU 46:
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Aari McDonald had 17 points with 11 rebounds and the third-seeded Wildcats (18-5) outlasted the No. 11 seed Cougars (19-6) to advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time since coach Adia Barnes was a player for Arizona in 1998.
HEMISFAIR REGION
Maryland 100, Alabama ● 64: The second-seeded Terrapins (27-2) and their offensive juggernaut are rolling fast and easy into the Sweet 16, getting 19 points from Angel Reese and overwhelming the Crimson Tide (17-10).
ALAMO REGION
Oregon 57, Georgia
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50: Sedona Prince scored 22 points, Nyara Sabally took over late and the sixth-seeded Ducks (15-8) beat the No. 3 Bulldogs (21-7) to advance to theirfourth straight Sweet 16.
Missouri St.
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64, Wright St. 39: Elle Ruffridge had a careerhigh 20 points with five three-pointers and the fifth-seeded Bears (23-2) are going to their second consecutive Sweet 16 after knocking off the 13thseeded Raiders (19-8).
Louisville 62, Northwestern
● 53: Kianna Smith scored 16 points and the No. 2 seed Cardinals (25-3) advanced to the Sweet 16 by rallying from an early 18-point deficit to beat the seventh-seeded Wildcats (16-9).