UConn Hero Braylon Mullins' Mom Missed His Iconic Game-Winner vs. Duke

Millions of people watched the shot, but Mullins' mom put her head in her lap and missed the moment.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:19pm

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UConn freshman Braylon Mullins hit a game-winning three-pointer to beat Duke in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, cementing his status as a Huskies legend. However, Mullins' mother was not among the millions watching, as she had put her head in her lap and missed the iconic shot.

Why it matters

Mullins' game-winning shot was a defining moment in UConn's quest for another national championship, but the fact that his own mother missed the historic play adds an emotional layer to the story. It highlights the unique perspective and experiences of athletes' families during high-pressure moments.

The details

With Duke leading 72-70 in the final seconds, UConn freshman Braylon Mullins grabbed a loose ball, passed it to Alex Karaban, who passed it back to Mullins. Mullins then launched a logo three-pointer that swished through the net with 0.3 seconds remaining to send UConn to the Final Four. An unreal photograph captured the sea of faces in the moment before Mullins' shot, but his mother was not among them, as she had put her head in her lap and missed the iconic play.

  • With around seven seconds left in regulation, Duke freshman guard Cayden Boozer collected an outlet pass.
  • Mullins launched his game-winning three-pointer with 0.3 seconds remaining in the game.

The players

Braylon Mullins

A UConn freshman guard who hit the game-winning three-pointer to beat Duke and send the Huskies to the Final Four. Mullins was named Indiana's 2025 Mr. Basketball and a McDonald's All-American.

Alex Karaban

A UConn senior forward who passed the ball to Mullins for the game-winning shot.

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn men's basketball team, who is leading the Huskies in their quest for a third national title in four years.

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What they’re saying

“When I saw him release it, I was like, 'That really might go in.' It went in, and the Indiana kid is sending us to Indianapolis.”

— Alex Karaban, UConn senior forward

“We're sitting there — my wife wouldn't watch. She put her head in her lap. She missed [it]. I was like, 'That's good.' As soon as he shot it, I knew when they let him walk into the three, I was like, 'That's good.' But then, it took 10 minutes, it seemed like, to get there. Then, it went in, and obviously, everybody erupted.”

— Josh Mullins, Braylon Mullins' father and high school basketball coach

What’s next

UConn will face No. 3 Illinois in the Final Four at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Saturday. The Huskies are going for their third national title in four years under head coach Dan Hurley.

The takeaway

Braylon Mullins' game-winning shot against Duke will go down as one of the most iconic moments in UConn basketball history, but the fact that his own mother missed the play adds an emotional layer to the story. It highlights the unique experiences and perspectives of athletes' families during high-pressure moments.