UConn Stuns Duke with Last-Second 3-Pointer

Freshman Braylon Mullins hits improbable game-winner to send Huskies to Final Four

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:19am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the final moments of the UConn vs Duke game, with the basketball and players broken down into abstract shapes and angles, capturing the chaos and drama of the last-second heroics.Cubist interpretation of the final seconds that saw UConn stun Duke with an improbable game-winning 3-pointer.Greenfield Today

In a stunning comeback, the UConn Huskies overcame a 19-point deficit to defeat the Duke Blue Devils 73-72 on a last-second 3-pointer by freshman Braylon Mullins. The shot, launched from just to the right of the 'Madness' logo on the court, capped off an improbable rally and sent UConn to the Final Four.

Why it matters

This victory over the tournament's overall #1 seed is a testament to UConn's resilience and the coaching of Dan Hurley, who has built the Huskies into a national powerhouse. The win also continues the legacy of Indiana-born players making clutch shots in March Madness.

The details

UConn trailed Duke by as many as 19 points and were down 15 at halftime, but chipped away at the deficit in the second half. With 10 seconds left and Duke leading 72-70, the Blue Devils turned the ball over, leading to Mullins' game-winning 3-pointer from well beyond the arc as time expired.

  • UConn trailed by 19 points early in the game.
  • UConn was down 15 at halftime.
  • With 10 seconds left, Duke led 72-70.
  • Braylon Mullins hit the game-winning 3-pointer as time expired.

The players

Braylon Mullins

A freshman guard from Greenfield, Indiana who hit the game-winning 3-pointer for UConn.

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn Huskies, who has led the team to three Final Fours in four years.

Jon Scheyer

The head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, whose team was upset in the regional final.

Cam Boozer

The likely national player of the year for Duke, who was unable to prevent UConn's comeback.

Cayden Boozer

Duke's point guard who turned the ball over in the final seconds, leading to UConn's game-winning shot.

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What they’re saying

“Shooters just shoot.”

— Braylon Mullins, UConn Freshman Guard

“I don't have the words. I don't have the words.”

— Jon Scheyer, Duke Head Coach

“This is what he does. You go to our practices. We grind. We work. This is what he builds. This is how he wants his team to be.”

— Tom Moore, UConn General Manager

What’s next

UConn will face Illinois in the Final Four on Saturday night in Indianapolis.

The takeaway

This improbable comeback victory over the tournament's #1 overall seed showcases the resilience and toughness instilled by UConn head coach Dan Hurley. The Huskies' ability to rally from a large deficit and win on a last-second shot exemplifies the madness and unpredictability that makes March such a special time in college basketball.