UConn Stuns Duke with Last-Second 3-Pointer, Advances to Final Four

Braylon Mullins hits improbable game-winner to send Huskies to Indianapolis

Mar. 30, 2026 at 1:58am

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In a thrilling finish, UConn overcame a 19-point deficit to defeat top-seeded Duke 73-72 on a last-second 3-pointer by Braylon Mullins. The Huskies' dramatic victory earned them a spot in the Final Four, where they will face Illinois, a surprise entrant from the Big Ten.

Why it matters

UConn's comeback win over Duke continues the Huskies' tradition of March Madness heroics, as they seek their third national championship. Meanwhile, the presence of Illinois in the Final Four is a testament to the changing landscape of college basketball, with mid-major programs struggling to maintain their Cinderella status amid the rise of superteams and the impact of NIL and the transfer portal.

The details

With Duke leading by three in the final seconds, UConn's Silas Demary Jr. made one of two free throws to cut the deficit to two. As the Blue Devils tried to run out the clock, Demary deflected a pass near midcourt, leading to Mullins' game-winning 3-pointer from 35 feet away as time expired.

  • With 10 seconds left, UConn's Silas Demary Jr. made one of two free throws to cut Duke's lead to 72-70.
  • In the final seconds, Braylon Mullins hit a 35-foot 3-pointer as time expired to give UConn a 73-72 victory over Duke.

The players

Braylon Mullins

UConn guard who hit the game-winning 3-pointer against Duke.

Silas Demary Jr.

UConn guard who deflected a pass in the final seconds, leading to Mullins' shot.

Dan Hurley

Head coach of the UConn Huskies.

Brayden Burries

Star player for the Arizona Wildcats, one of the Final Four teams.

Yaxel Lendeborg

Key player for the Michigan Wolverines, another Final Four team.

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What they’re saying

“It just felt like the window where you've just got to let March Madness take over. March magic.”

— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn Huskies

What’s next

The Huskies will face Illinois in the Final Four on Saturday, with the winner advancing to the national championship game.

The takeaway

UConn's dramatic victory over Duke showcases the unpredictable nature of March Madness, where underdogs can rise to the occasion and deliver unforgettable moments. Meanwhile, the presence of Illinois in the Final Four highlights the changing landscape of college basketball, where traditional powers must adapt to the new realities of NIL and the transfer portal.