In one of the most dramatic finishes in recent tournament history, the UConn Huskies pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat the Duke Blue Devils 73-72, punching their ticket to the Final Four in unforgettable fashion.
Freshman Braylon Mullins became the hero of the night, sinking a deep 35-foot three-pointer with just 0.4 seconds remaining. The shot capped a remarkable 19-point comeback and instantly etched his name into tournament history.
The sequence leading to the game-winner was just as dramatic. After a defensive scramble forced a turnover, Mullins recovered the ball, passed it ahead, and then received it back before confidently launching the decisive shot. Despite struggling earlier from beyond the arc, Mullins never doubted himself. “You’ve got to have the confidence,” he said after the game.
UConn’s comeback was fueled by resilience and a dominant performance from Tarris Reed Jr., who finished with 26 points, nine rebounds, and multiple defensive contributions. His effort kept the Huskies within reach even as Duke built a commanding lead early.
The Blue Devils appeared in full control for much of the game, leading by as many as 19 points in the first half and maintaining a double-digit advantage late into the second. Cameron Boozer led Duke with a strong all-around performance, while his brother Cayden Boozer contributed significantly in the first half.
However, momentum shifted in the closing minutes as UConn found its rhythm from three-point range. A series of clutch shots cut the deficit, setting the stage for Mullins’ game-winning moment.
The victory carries added historical significance. It comes 36 years after Christian Laettner’s iconic buzzer-beater eliminated UConn in 1990—making this win feel like long-awaited redemption for the program.
Under head coach Dan Hurley, UConn is now headed to its third Final Four in four years. The program is also chasing history, aiming to become the first team since UCLA Bruins in the 1970s to win three national championships in a four-year span.
For Duke, the loss marks another heartbreaking tournament exit, continuing a trend of late-game collapses in recent seasons. Despite their talent and strong performances, they were unable to close out the game when it mattered most.
As UConn celebrates its thrilling victory, the focus now shifts to the Final Four in Indianapolis. With momentum, confidence, and history within reach, the Huskies are not just advancing—they are chasing a dynasty.
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