Freshman Braylon Mullins Delivers Again for UConn in Final Four Win

Mullins' clutch shooting helps Huskies advance to national championship game

Apr. 5, 2026 at 1:52am

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UConn freshman Braylon Mullins continued his impressive NCAA Tournament run, hitting several key 3-pointers to lead the Huskies to a 71-62 victory over Illinois in the Final Four. Mullins finished with 15 points, including a late 3-pointer that sealed the win and sent UConn to the national championship game.

Why it matters

Mullins has emerged as a star for UConn this tournament, making clutch shots to help the Huskies advance. His performance against Illinois showcases his ability to step up on the biggest stage and lead his team to victory, further cementing his status as one of the best young players in the country.

The details

Mullins got off to a hot start, hitting a pair of 3-pointers in the first three minutes to set the tone. Though he went cold in the second half, Mullins came through with another big 3 in the final minute to secure the win. Teammates praised Mullins' confidence and ability to impact the game even when his shot isn't falling, highlighting his all-around game.

  • Mullins hit two 3-pointers in the first three minutes of the game.
  • With under a minute to play, Mullins hit a 3-pointer to extend UConn's lead to 71-62.

The players

Braylon Mullins

A freshman guard for the UConn Huskies who has emerged as a star player during the NCAA Tournament, hitting clutch shots to help lead his team to the national championship game.

Jaylin Stewart

A junior forward for the UConn Huskies who praised Mullins' ability to impact the game even when his shot isn't falling.

Eric Reibe

A freshman center for the UConn Huskies who said the team needs Mullins' confidence and scoring ability to have a good night in the national championship game.

Alex Karaban

A senior forward for the UConn Huskies who has preached the importance of confidence to Mullins throughout the season.

Malachi Smith

A senior guard for the UConn Huskies who described Mullins as having a 'mamba mentality' and praised his leadership on the court.

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What they’re saying

“When he hit that first one I kind of knew it was a going to be a good day. Once he hits that first shot and he's aggressive, he's kind of unstoppable, to be honest with you.”

— Jaylin Stewart, Junior forward

“His game's always on point.”

— Eric Reibe, Freshman center

“Really, just since he stepped on campus he's had such a great maturity to where I just want him to be himself and not let the moment get to you, don't let any external pressure get to you.”

— Alex Karaban, Senior forward

“Braylon doesn't really talk that much, but he talks to us on the court. And that's what we need. Even when he's not hitting shots, that's what we need. He has the mamba mentality of going to the next play.”

— Malachi Smith, Senior guard

“You've always got to shoot with confidence. The set was going to be run for anybody on the team, you've just got to shoot with confidence. Just trying to find the best look on the floor and I know our point guards are going to get us the ball, so I think that was the biggest shot I hit tonight.”

— Braylon Mullins

What’s next

UConn will face the winner of the second national semifinal between No. 1 seeds Michigan and Arizona in the national championship game on Monday.

The takeaway

Braylon Mullins has emerged as a star for UConn during the NCAA Tournament, hitting clutch shots and making winning plays even when his shot isn't falling. His poise and confidence on the big stage have been crucial to the Huskies' run to the national championship game.