TAMPA, Fla. — In a game that featured more than a dozen lead changes, Baylor's Chloe Jackson made the go ahead shot as Baylor defeated Oregon 72-67 in the Final Four.
The first quarter started more in Oregon’s favor than the Lady Bears. The Ducks jumped out to an 11-4 lead on the back of the three point shot.
But that’s when Baylor woke up. Kalani Brown, Lauren Cox and Didi Richards contributed to a 15-4 run earning the Lady Bears a 19-15 lead to close out the quarter.
Oregon was using two, or three, defenders to try and box in Kalani Brown on the offensive end and it worked at the start.
Ducks star Sabrina Ionescu was held scoreless by Richards in the first frame, but was able to shake loose for five straight points before Richards got her back under control.
Brown and Cox were able to notch a few more points, but Ionescu closed the quarter on a six point run including a make just before half over Richards where the Ducks drew a foul.
Baylor went into the locker room down 34-33.
Baylor went into the third trying to rally from Oregon's second quarter surge, but the Ducks were the one who were hot.
Oregon's Ionescu shot 50 percent from from three point land as Baylor even took over the lead. Cox and Brown found their rhythm and scored in double digits, but again it was Richards who got to shine.
The small forward was on the receiving end of several post passes that ended in layups.
The closing frame was as back and forth as the rest of the game.
Baylor and Oregon traded shots, changing the lead 12 times throughout the game, but in the last minute the game was tied.
That's when graduate transfer Chloe Jackson went on the attack. The senior made a running scoop layup with just 30 seconds to play to put Baylor in the lead.
Oregon would foul to try and catch up, but the Lady Bears would convert free throws to put it out of reach.
Now, Baylor will play the winner of Notre Dame vs. UConn Sunday night in Tampa.
