UConn Stuns Duke with Buzzer-Beater in March Madness Thriller

Braylon Mullins' 35-foot shot at the buzzer caps off an incredible comeback for the Huskies

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:29am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the dramatic moment of a basketball player shooting a three-pointer, capturing the raw energy and excitement of the game-winning shot.Braylon Mullins' last-second heroics propel UConn to a stunning comeback victory over Duke in a March Madness classic.Storrs Today

In a thrilling March Madness matchup, the UConn Huskies overcame a 19-point deficit in the first half to defeat the Duke Blue Devils in dramatic fashion. With just 0.4 seconds remaining on the clock, UConn's Braylon Mullins hit a 35-foot desperation three-pointer to seal the victory and send the Huskies to the Final Four.

Why it matters

This game will go down as one of the most iconic March Madness moments in recent history, showcasing UConn's resilience and the unpredictable nature of the tournament. The Huskies' comeback victory over a perennial powerhouse like Duke further solidifies their status as a basketball blue blood and adds another chapter to their storied tournament history.

The details

UConn trailed Duke by 19 points in the first half, but slowly chipped away at the deficit with a relentless defensive effort and timely scoring from Tarris Reed Jr., who led the Huskies with 26 points. In the final seconds, a deflected pass led to a scramble for the loose ball, and Braylon Mullins found himself with the opportunity to hit the game-winning shot from 35 feet out, which he drained as time expired.

  • With 0.4 seconds left on the clock, Braylon Mullins hit the game-winning three-pointer for UConn.
  • UConn trailed Duke by 19 points in the first half before mounting their comeback.

The players

Braylon Mullins

A UConn player who hit the game-winning 35-foot shot at the buzzer to defeat Duke.

Tarris Reed Jr.

The UConn player who led the team with 26 points, helping to fuel their comeback against Duke.

Cameron Boozer

A Duke player who is expected to leave for the NBA, dealing a significant blow to the Blue Devils' roster.

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What they’re saying

“That's the kind of moment you dream about as a kid. To hit a shot like that on the biggest stage, it's just unbelievable.”

— Braylon Mullins, UConn Player

“We fought hard, but they just made one more play than we did. Credit to UConn, they never gave up and made us pay in the end.”

— Mike Krzyzewski, Duke Head Coach

What’s next

UConn will face Illinois in the Final Four, looking to continue their magical March Madness run and potentially win their first national championship since 2014.

The takeaway

UConn's thrilling victory over Duke in the Sweet 16 is a testament to the team's resilience, determination, and the unpredictable nature of the NCAA Tournament. This game will be remembered as one of the most iconic March Madness moments in recent history, solidifying the Huskies' status as a basketball powerhouse and providing inspiration for future generations of players and fans.