WASHINGTON – A desperation heave from freshman Braylon Mullins with 0.4 seconds remaining propelled the UConn Huskies to a stunning 73-72 victory over top-seeded Duke on Sunday, securing their place in the Final Four. The improbable win, a comeback from a 19-point first-half deficit, sent shockwaves through the NCAA Tournament and extended UConn’s remarkable run of success in the later stages of March Madness.
The scene at Washington’s Capital One Arena was electric as Duke appeared poised to avoid another early exit, having suffered a similar collapse in last year’s national semifinals against Houston. Leading by three with under 10 seconds to play, the Blue Devils attempted to run out the clock, but a deflected pass by UConn’s Silas Demary Jr. Landed in Mullins’ hands. The freshman, positioned well beyond the three-point arc, didn’t hesitate, launching a shot that will instantly be etched into tournament lore.
“It just felt like the window where you’ve just got to let March Madness take over,” UConn coach Dan Hurley said after the game, reflecting on the chaotic final moments. “March magic.” The Huskies, now 33-5 on the season, will face third-seeded Illinois in Indianapolis next Saturday, continuing their pursuit of a national championship. This marks the second consecutive Final Four appearance for UConn, and a chance to secure their third title in four years – a feat not accomplished since UCLA’s dynasty in the 1970s.
A Historic Comeback Against a Blue Devils Powerhouse
Duke (35-3) controlled much of the first half, building a commanding lead that reached 19 points. The Huskies struggled mightily from the field, shooting a dismal 5 of 23 from three-point range. Yet, UConn refused to yield, chipping away at the deficit throughout the second half. Tarris Reed Jr. Led the Huskies with 26 points, providing a crucial interior presence, even as Alex Karaban’s late three-pointer pulled UConn within one point with under a minute remaining.
The game remained a tense back-and-forth affair in the final minute. Cameron Boozer, who finished with 27 points for Duke, extended the Blue Devils’ lead to three with a basket inside. UConn’s Silas Demary Jr. Then made one of two free throws, setting the stage for the dramatic finish. Duke’s Cayden Boozer, attempting to secure possession and avoid a foul, instead threw a pass that was intercepted by Demary, leading directly to Mullins’ game-winning shot.
The stunning reversal marked the largest halftime lead (15 points, 44-29) ever blown by a No. 1 seed in NCAA Tournament history, according to ESPN Stats & Info. It similarly continued a recent trend of heartbreak for Duke in the tournament, following their loss to Houston in last year’s Final Four.
Mullins’ Moment and UConn’s Tournament Dominance
For Mullins, a freshman guard from Raleigh, North Carolina, the moment was surreal. “We were trying to foul the worst free-throw shooter on the floor, and Silas ended up deflecting the pass,” Mullins explained. “I knew I had to set one up. Man, I’m just happy that was the one that went down tonight.” The shot, from approximately 35 feet, was a testament to Mullins’ composure and willingness to take the big shot.
The victory extends UConn’s impressive streak in the Sweet 16 and beyond. The Huskies have now won 18 consecutive games in these stages of the tournament, with their last loss coming against Michigan State in the 2009 Final Four. This sustained success underscores Hurley’s ability to consistently elevate his program on the national stage.
Duke coach Jon Scheyer was visibly devastated after the loss. “I could not be more disappointed and feeling for our guys, at the same time of just trying to process what happened,” Scheyer said. “I don’t have the words.” The defeat marks the third consecutive NCAA Tournament loss for Duke against UConn, following the Huskies’ victories in the 1999 championship game and the 2004 semifinals.
Looking Ahead to Indianapolis
UConn’s next challenge comes in the form of a Final Four matchup against Illinois. The Huskies previously defeated Illinois 77-52 in the Elite Eight earlier this season, as reported by the Associated Press. However, Hurley and his team recognize that a Final Four game presents a different level of competition.
For Duke, the season ends in disappointment. The Blue Devils are expected to observe star freshman Cameron Boozer enter the NBA draft, potentially altering the team’s dynamic for next season.
The Huskies’ improbable run continues, fueled by resilience, clutch shooting, and a touch of March Madness magic. The team will now turn its focus to preparing for Illinois, with a national championship firmly within reach.
The Final Four will be played on Saturday, April 6th, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Fans can find the latest bracket updates and tournament coverage at the Associated Press’s March Madness hub.
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