NCAA women’s basketball tournament: Colorado stuns Duke, punches Sweet 16 ticket
The Colorado Buffaloes women’s basketball team is headed to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2003. CU advanced by taking down the No. 3 seed Duke Blue Devils on their home court in overtime on Monday night, 61-53.
The No. 6 Buffs were not fazed by being a significant underdog, racing out to an early 15-2 lead. Duke was able to battle back, narrowing the gap to 32-26 at the half. The third quarter almost did the Buffaloes in as Duke outscored CU by 10 to take a 43-39 lead into the fourth quarter.
Colorado’s defense carried the Buffs late as they held Duke scoreless for over six minutes to begin the fourth quarter. Neither team could find separation in the final few minutes of regulation as both CU and Duke missed chances to take the lead in the final seconds. The game entered overtime tied at 50.
Colorado dominated overtime and even held Duke scoreless from the field, with the Blue Devils only able to muster three free throw makes in the extra frame. Along with the stellar defense that was played by the entire team, Quay Miller was the MVP for the Buffs, pouring in 17 points to go along with 14 rebounds. Jaylyn Sherrod scored a gutsy 14 points and Aaronette Vonleh had 12.
Colorado will play the No. 2 seed Iowa Hawkeyes in Seattle on Friday with a chance to advance to the Elite Eight.
Jaylyn Sherrod had only one Power 5 offer coming out of high school and battled injuries throughout her career.
As a senior, she just led @CUBuffsWBB to their first Sweet 16 appearance in 20 years 👏 #ThatsaW pic.twitter.com/XCfgMBtRCe
— ESPN (@espn) March 21, 2023
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