UConn Stuns Duke with Last-Second Buzzer-Beater

Huskies pull off improbable victory over Blue Devils in March Madness thriller

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:28am

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In a stunning finish to their March Madness matchup, the UConn Huskies defeated the Duke Blue Devils with a last-second desperation shot from Braylon Mullins. With just seconds remaining and the game tied, Mullins recovered a loose ball near midcourt and launched a long-range shot that found the bottom of the net as time expired, giving UConn the thrilling victory.

Why it matters

This victory is a major upset in the NCAA tournament, as Duke was heavily favored over the Huskies. The dramatic finish will be remembered as one of the most exciting moments of this year's March Madness, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the tournament and the ability of underdogs to pull off stunning wins against powerhouse programs.

The details

With the game tied 72-72 and just 5 seconds remaining, UConn's Braylon Mullins scooped up a loose ball near midcourt and launched a desperate, off-balance shot that found the mark as the buzzer sounded, giving the Huskies a 75-72 victory over the Blue Devils.

  • The game-winning shot was made as time expired in the second half.
  • The final score was UConn 75, Duke 72.

The players

Braylon Mullins

A junior guard for the UConn Huskies who hit the game-winning shot at the buzzer to defeat Duke.

UConn Huskies

The men's basketball team from the University of Connecticut, who pulled off the upset victory over Duke in the March Madness tournament.

Duke Blue Devils

The men's basketball team from Duke University, who were heavily favored to defeat UConn but fell short in the final seconds of the game.

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What they’re saying

“I can't believe it, I just threw it up and it went in! I'm still in shock.”

— Braylon Mullins, UConn Guard

“That's March Madness for you - anything can happen. Credit to UConn, they made the play when it counted most.”

— Mike Krzyzewski, Duke Head Coach

What’s next

UConn will advance to the next round of the NCAA tournament, where they will face the winner of the Gonzaga-Arkansas matchup.

The takeaway

This thrilling last-second victory for the UConn Huskies over the heavily favored Duke Blue Devils is a perfect example of the unpredictability and excitement that makes the NCAA March Madness tournament one of the most captivating sporting events each year.