Rickea Jackson Buzzer-Beater: Lady Vol to WNBA Star

The clock showed 5.2 seconds. The score was tied at 99. And Rickea Jackson, the second-year forward who had already poured in 24 points against the defending WNBA champions, found herself with the basketball and a chance to make history.

What happened next will be remembered as the moment Jackson announced herself as the WNBA's next breakout star. Her acrobatic layup through contact at the buzzer lifted the Los Angeles Sparks to a stunning 101-99 upset over the New York Liberty on July 26th, capping off what many are calling the biggest win of the season for a franchise that had been searching for momentum.

But for those who followed Jackson's college journey—from Mississippi State to Tennessee—this clutch moment felt like destiny finally arriving.

From Mississippi State to Rocky Top

Jackson's path to that game-winning shot began in Starkville, Mississippi, where she spent three seasons with the Mississippi State Bulldogs. The Detroit native quickly established herself as a scoring threat, averaging over 15 points per game during her time there and helping the Bulldogs remain competitive in the loaded SEC.

However, it was her transfer to Tennessee for the 2021-22 season that truly showcased her potential. Playing for the storied Lady Volunteers program, Jackson averaged 19.2 points per game while shooting an impressive 54.8% from the field. The Lady Vols made it to the Sweet 16 as a 4-seed that season, with Jackson serving as their primary offensive weapon.

"She always had that killer instinct," recalls those who watched her Tennessee campaign. "You could see she had the ability to take over games when it mattered most."

Early WNBA Struggles and Growth

When the Los Angeles Sparks selected Jackson fourth overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, expectations were sky-high. Here was a player who had dominated at the collegiate level and possessed the size, athleticism, and scoring ability to translate immediately to the professional ranks.

Reality, however, proved more challenging. Jackson's rookie season was marked by the typical growing pains that many first-year players face. The Sparks struggled as a team, finishing with just 8 wins and managing only the 12th-best record in the league. Jackson showed flashes of brilliance but couldn't find the consistency that had made her a college star.

"The jump from college to the WNBA is significant," Jackson reflected earlier this season. "The speed of the game, the physicality, the mental aspect—everything is elevated. That first year taught me a lot about what I needed to work on."

The Breakout Performance

Fast-forward to July 26th, 2025, and Jackson looked like a completely different player. From the opening tip, she was in attack mode against a Liberty team that entered the game with a 17-7 record and championship aspirations.

Jackson scored an incredible 17 points in the first quarter alone—the most she had ever scored in any quarter of her professional career. She was scorching hot from three-point range, connecting on 4-of-6 attempts from beyond the arc while shooting 87% from the field in the first half.

The performance was a masterclass in efficient scoring and clutch playmaking. When the Liberty mounted their inevitable comeback—they outscored the Sparks 24-16 in the third quarter to cut the deficit—Jackson continued to answer with big shots and timely baskets.

The Moment That Changed Everything

With the game tied at 99 and seconds remaining, the stage was set for a defining moment. Sabrina Ionescu had just drained a clutch jumper to tie the game for New York, setting up what appeared to be overtime.

Instead, Jackson took matters into her own hands.

After the Liberty fouled Kelsey Plum with 5.9 seconds left, Los Angeles got the ball on the side. The play wasn't designed for Jackson initially, but when the defense shifted, she found herself with a clear path to the basket.

"I saw the opening and just went for it," Jackson said afterward. "In those moments, you don't think—you just react."

Her game-winning layup came through contact from Stephanie Talbot, showcasing the type of strength and determination that made her a star at Tennessee. As the ball fell through the net and the buzzer sounded, Jackson's teammates mobbed her at center court while the Sparks' bench erupted in celebration.

A Team on the Rise

Jackson's heroics capped off the Sparks' fifth consecutive victory, establishing them as what many consider the hottest team in the WNBA. The win was particularly significant given the caliber of the opponent—the defending champion Liberty represent the gold standard of the league.

The victory also highlighted how Jackson has developed chemistry with her teammates, particularly fellow stars Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby. Plum contributed 20 points, eight rebounds, and four assists in the win, while Hamby added 17 points and 10 rebounds. The trio's balanced scoring attack has become a nightmare for opposing defenses.

College Connections Making Their Mark

Jackson's breakthrough performance is part of a larger trend of former college stars making their mark in the WNBA. Players like Napheesa Collier (UConn), Sabrina Ionescu (Oregon), and A'ja Wilson (South Carolina) have shown how strong college foundations can translate to professional success.

Jackson's journey through two different SEC programs—Mississippi State and Tennessee—gave her exposure to different coaching styles and playing systems. At Mississippi State, she learned how to be a primary scorer in a structured offense. At Tennessee, she refined her game while playing for one of the most prestigious programs in women's basketball history.

"The SEC prepared me for this level," Jackson noted. "Playing against the best competition in college basketball, dealing with hostile road environments, learning how to perform under pressure—all of that carried over."

Looking Ahead: Star in the Making

At just 24 years old, Jackson appears to be hitting her stride at exactly the right time. Her combination of size (6'2"), athleticism, and scoring ability makes her a matchup nightmare for opponents. More importantly, her clutch gene—evident in that buzzer-beater against the Liberty—suggests she has the mentality to become a cornerstone player for the Sparks.

The numbers support the eye test. Jackson is currently averaging 13.1 points per game while shooting over 41% from the field. While those statistics might not jump off the page, her recent surge—including three games with 22+ points in her last four outings—suggests she's just scratching the surface of her potential.

For a Sparks organization that has been rebuilding in recent years, Jackson represents hope for the future. Her development into a clutch performer gives Los Angeles a legitimate second option alongside established stars and could be the catalyst for a return to championship contention.

The buzzer-beater that shocked the Liberty wasn't just a single moment of brilliance—it was an announcement that Rickea Jackson has arrived as one of the WNBA's rising stars. From her days lighting up scoreboards in the SEC to her game-winning heroics in Los Angeles, Jackson's journey embodies the best of what college-to-pro development can look like.

As the Sparks continue their hot streak and Jackson continues to grow into her role, that clutch layup on July 26th may well be remembered as the moment a star was truly born.

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