Amaya Battle sends Minnesota by Ole Miss in NCAA tournament - ESPN

MINNEAPOLIS — Amaya Battle drove toward the lane before dribbling back for more space along the baseline to launch the shot she — and everyone else who has ever picked up a basketball — has long daydreamed about.

First came the swish, immediately followed by the joyful screams.

Then after watching Ole Miss' attempt at a winner hit the front of the rim and fall short, Minnesota unleashed a celebration of the program's first trip to the Sweet 16 in 21 years with a 65-63 victory in the second round of the women's NCAA tournament Sunday.

«I think any basketball player, when you shoot on your own, you're like, 'OK, three, two, one,' throw it up there and see what happens,» said Battle, who had 14 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. «It was real life today.»

The women's tournament has otherwise been lacking in upsets and buzzer-beaters, particularly since Clemson's apparent 3-pointer at the end of regulation in the first round Saturday didn't count because of a clock operation error in an eventual overtime loss to Southern California.

Battle, the sister of NBA player Jamison Battle, delivered that shining moment for the highlight reels in her final game at Williams Arena. This was the first game of the tournament decided by fewer than three points, with the home-court advantage that Minnesota made sure to secure well in advance — on the hunch this team could earn a top-16 seed — coming through loud and clear.

«You can't make this stuff up,» coach Dawn Plitzuweit said.

The No. 4 seed Gophers (24-8), who had a crowd of 10,763 on their side, were more than happy to have their senior point guard on a team with plenty of capable shooters take the crucial final shot.

«We practice it almost every day before every game, so it's