Duke's Elite Eight run ends on last-second shot

Blue Devils squander 19-point lead, fall to UConn on buzzer-beater

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:04am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in vibrant colors depicting the final seconds of a college basketball game, with the players' bodies and the basketball broken down into abstract geometric shapes, conveying the tension and drama of the game-winning shot.The final seconds of the Duke vs. UConn Elite Eight game, captured in a cubist painting that reflects the heartbreak of Duke's collapse and UConn's dramatic game-winning shot.Washington Today

Duke had the game in hand, leading by 19 points, but a late collapse allowed UConn to come back and win on a last-second shot, ending the Blue Devils' season in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.

Why it matters

This loss is a tough one for Duke, who had high hopes of making a deep tournament run this year. The Blue Devils have now suffered heartbreaking defeats in the Elite Eight in back-to-back seasons, raising questions about their ability to close out big games.

The details

Duke was cruising with a 19-point lead, but UConn chipped away at the deficit and eventually tied the game late. On the final possession, Duke had a chance to seal the win, but a deflected pass led to a UConn steal and a game-winning buzzer-beater shot from Braylon Mullins.

  • Duke led by as much as 19 points in the second half.
  • UConn tied the game late to set up the dramatic final possession.
  • Braylon Mullins hit the game-winning shot as time expired.

The players

Jon Scheyer

The Duke head coach who has now suffered two straight Elite Eight defeats.

Cameron Boozer

The Duke star player who scored 27 points but turned the ball over on the final possession.

Braylon Mullins

The UConn guard who hit the game-winning shot at the buzzer.

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What they’re saying

“I turned the ball over. I should've been stronger with the ball. I cost our team our season.”

— Cameron Boozer, Duke Player

“I wasn't up with the ball. I didn't realize how much time was on the clock. I probably could've been up a little bit more, contested the shot. He made the shot.”

— Isaiah Evans, Duke Player

“It's not. It's a terrible feeling. We've got guys that gave so much, guys that got hurt, had surgery, came back and are playing through injury. I wish we could just figure it out and finish the job for them. It sucks for sure.”

— Cameron Boozer, Duke Player

What’s next

Duke will now have to regroup and look ahead to next season, as their quest for a national championship has come to an end. The Blue Devils will lose several key players to graduation, making their path back to the Elite Eight even more challenging.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking loss for Duke highlights the fine line between success and failure in the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Devils were in control but couldn't finish the job, a familiar refrain for a program that has struggled to close out big games in recent years.