Sun Apr 6 23:52:48 2008

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Hornbuckle's last-second shot sends Tennessee to title game

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Tampa, FL (Sports Network) - Alexis Hornbuckle's tip shot with 0.7 seconds remaining lifted Tennessee over LSU, 47-46, and into the NCAA Women's national title game.

Erica White had tied it on a free throw with 7.1 seconds remaining, and following a Lady Vols timeout, drained the back end to give LSU a 46-45 lead. Candace Parker then took the inbounds pass and charged up the court, dishing to Nicky Anosike, who missed a lay-in. Hornbuckle was there, however, and her putback with 0.7 seconds remaining sealed the win.

Parker battled through a shoulder injury and managed 13 points and 15 boards for Tennessee (35-2), which will face Stanford on Tuesday for the NCAA Women's Tournament championship.

Shannon Bobbitt also chipped in 11 points, while Alberta Auguste had 10 for the Lady Vols. Ever since winning its first title in 1987, Tennessee has gone on to win six more, including last season's victory over Rutgers.

Sylvia Fowles did it all for LSU, but her remarkable performance of 24 points and 20 rebounds failed to advance the Lady Tigers. LSU has been a Final Four staple the last five seasons, reaching the national semifinals each time. But they have yet to make it to the championship game. LSU is only the second team to play in five straight Final Fours, matching the feat accomplished by Connecticut from 2000-04.

It was the lowest scoring game in NCAA women's Final Four history.