UConn star Braylon Mullins leads team to national championship game

Mullins, a hometown hero, helps power Huskies to victory over Illinois

Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:05am

Braylon Mullins, a standout player from Greenfield, Indiana, led the University of Connecticut men's basketball team to a victory over the University of Illinois in the NCAA tournament semifinals. The win advances UConn to the national championship game, marking the team's return to the title game for the first time since 2024.

Why it matters

Mullins has become a hometown hero in Greenfield, Indiana, where the community recently renamed two roads after the star player. His performance in the tournament has captivated fans across the state and the country, showcasing his talent on the national stage.

The details

Mullins scored a game-high 28 points, including several clutch shots down the stretch, to power UConn to a hard-fought victory over Illinois. The Huskies trailed for much of the game but Mullins led a late surge to propel his team to the win and a spot in the national championship game.

  • The game was played on April 5, 2026 in Indianapolis.
  • Greenfield, Indiana recently renamed two roads after Braylon Mullins.

The players

Braylon Mullins

A standout player from Greenfield, Indiana who led the University of Connecticut men's basketball team to the national championship game.

University of Connecticut

The men's basketball team that advanced to the national championship game after defeating Illinois in the tournament semifinals.

University of Illinois

The men's basketball team that lost to UConn in the tournament semifinals.

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What they’re saying

“Braylon has been a source of pride for our entire community. We're thrilled to see him shine on the national stage and lead his team to the championship game.”

— Mayor of Greenfield, Indiana

What’s next

The national championship game will be played on April 7, 2026 in Indianapolis.

The takeaway

Braylon Mullins' heroic performance in the tournament semifinals has captivated fans across Indiana and the country, solidifying his status as a hometown hero and showcasing the talent that has powered UConn's run to the national championship game.