UConn Freshman Braylon Mullins Stuns with March Madness Heroics

Mullins' last-second shot lifts Huskies to Final Four in thrilling upset

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:01am

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Braylon Mullins, a little-known UConn freshman from Indiana, hit a game-winning shot in the final seconds to lead the Huskies to a stunning upset victory in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Mullins' heroics have instantly made him a March Madness legend and propelled his team to the Final Four.

Why it matters

Mullins' miracle shot caps an improbable tournament run for the Huskies, who were not expected to advance this far. His emergence as a clutch performer on the biggest stage will likely make him a household name and could boost his NBA draft stock. The win also continues UConn's tradition of March Madness success, cementing the program's status as one of college basketball's elite.

The details

With the score tied in the final seconds, Mullins received the inbound pass and calmly drained a long jumper at the buzzer to lift 11th-seeded UConn over 2nd-seeded UCLA. The freshman guard finished with a team-high 22 points, including the game-winning shot that sent the Huskies bench and fans into a frenzy.

  • Mullins hit the game-winning shot as time expired in the NCAA Tournament regional final on March 30, 2026.

The players

Braylon Mullins

A freshman guard for the UConn Huskies men's basketball team who hit the game-winning shot to send his team to the Final Four.

UConn Huskies

The men's basketball team from the University of Connecticut, a perennial NCAA Tournament contender known for their March Madness success.

UCLA Bruins

The men's basketball team from the University of California, Los Angeles, a highly ranked program that was upset by UConn in the regional final.

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What they’re saying

“I've never hit a shot like that in my life. I was just trying to get the ball up and give us a chance. When it went in, I couldn't believe it.”

— Braylon Mullins, UConn Freshman Guard

“Braylon Mullins just etched his name in March Madness history with that unbelievable shot. What a moment for that young man and the entire UConn program.”

— Dick Vitale, ESPN Basketball Analyst

What’s next

Mullins and the Huskies will now advance to the Final Four, where they will face the winner of the other regional final between Gonzaga and Arizona.

The takeaway

Braylon Mullins' game-winning heroics have instantly cemented his status as a March Madness legend and proven that even little-known players can rise to the occasion on college basketball's biggest stage. His emergence will likely boost his NBA draft stock and further enhance UConn's reputation as one of the premier programs in the sport.