Duke Broadcaster Calls for Technical Foul on UConn After Season-Ending Dagger

Emotions run high as UConn stuns Duke with last-second 3-pointer to advance to Final Four

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:21am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Duke radio broadcaster David Shumate captured the heartbreak of Duke's fans with his call of UConn's game-winning 3-pointer in the closing seconds of their Elite Eight matchup. Shumate called for a technical foul on UConn's Malachi Smith, alleging he ran onto the court, but the shot stood and UConn held on for the 73-72 victory, punching their ticket to the Final Four.

Why it matters

The dramatic finish highlighted the intense emotions of the NCAA Tournament, where a single shot can end a team's season. Shumate's passionate response reflected the devastation Duke fans felt, while the UConn broadcaster's jubilant call captured the Huskies' improbable comeback win.

The details

With Duke leading 72-70 and just 0.3 seconds left, UConn's Braylon Mullins hit a deep 3-pointer to give the Huskies the lead. Shumate claimed UConn's Malachi Smith ran onto the court, which should have resulted in a technical foul, but the officials allowed the game-winning shot to stand. UConn held on for the 73-72 victory, completing one of the largest comebacks in NCAA Tournament regional history.

  • With 0.3 seconds left, Braylon Mullins hit the game-winning 3-pointer for UConn.
  • UConn's comeback win over Duke marked one of the largest in NCAA Tournament regional history.

The players

David Shumate

Duke radio broadcaster who captured the heartbreak of Duke's fans with his call of the game-ending shot.

Braylon Mullins

UConn guard who hit the game-winning 3-pointer to lift the Huskies to the Final Four.

Malachi Smith

UConn player who Shumate claimed ran onto the court, which should have resulted in a technical foul.

Dan Hurley

UConn head coach who celebrated the Huskies' improbable comeback victory.

Mike Crispino

UConn radio broadcaster who ecstatically called the game-winning play.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'Seven seconds, tried to throw it ahead, deflected! stolen by Connecticut! Two seconds! It's Mullins up top for the win! Oh, he hit it, with three-tenths of a second to go! Malachi Smith ran off the bench! That should be a technical, but with three-tenths of a second to go, Connecticut has the lead, 73-72.'”

— David Shumate, Duke radio broadcaster

“'Boozer, and a steal! Mullins gets it! It's Karaban to Mullins, long-range three! Oooooh! It went in! Mullins delivers! Bedlam! Bedlam here! … Absolute bedlam as Mullins threw a 45-footer in!'”

— Mike Crispino, UConn radio broadcaster

What’s next

UConn will face Illinois on Saturday for a chance to advance to the national championship game.

The takeaway

The dramatic finish between Duke and UConn showcased the intense emotions of the NCAA Tournament, where a single shot can end a team's season. Shumate's passionate response reflected the devastation Duke fans felt, while the UConn broadcaster's jubilant call captured the Huskies' improbable comeback victory.