Arike Ogunbowale made not one but two buzzer beaters during the NCAA Women’s Final Four to lead Notre Dame to the National title. Along the way, she got some inspiration from Kobe after shocking UConn with a lethal step-back buzzer beater. After defeating UConn, Arike mentioned Kobe’s mamba mentality as her muse.
Arike: I wanted the Mamba mentality. @kobebryant is here so that’s what I tried to channel. #Mambamentality #MambaMode 🙌🏾🏀 #WFinalFour
— Angel Gray (@Angel_Gray1) March 31, 2018
Kobe responded with a congratulatory tweet:
Big time shot Arike! We are a @UConnWBB family but we love seeing great players making great plays. I know my lil sis @jewellloyd is happy Well done @ndwbb good luck on Sunday #mambamentality 🙌 https://t.co/8DxHkNURN7
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) March 31, 2018
Arike was overjoyed that she received a response from Kobe.
Wow, my life is complete. The GOAT 😭🙌🏾 https://t.co/91wiItW0KN
— Arike Ogunbowale (@Arike_O) March 31, 2018
Arike Ogunbowale defeated UConn but still needed one more win against Miss. St. to claim a national title and Kobe reminded her of that.
Nah… it’s complete by finishing the job on Sunday @Arike_O #MambaMentality https://t.co/pvL95JCZHn
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) March 31, 2018
Arike took Kobe’s advice and nailed a buzzer beating 3-pointer to win the National Championship for Notre Dame. Flip the page to see the game-winning shot and Kobe’s reaction.
