UConn Propelled to Final Four Thanks to One of the Greatest Shots in NCAA History
Braylon Mullins delivers one of the greatest shots in NCAA tournament history by beating Duke 73-72 with a 3-pointer at 0.4 seconds remaining, sending the Huskies to the Final Four and keeping their hopes alive for a third national title in four years.
Mar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) celebrates after making the game-winning three-point basket against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Photo Credit : © Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
For 39 minutes and 59 seconds, it seemed that UConn’s quest for a third national title in four seasons was going to end abruptly. Until freshman guard Braylon Mullins made one of the greatest shots in men’s NCAA tournament history, propelling the Huskies to the Final Four with a 73-72 victory against Duke in the East Region final.
A Legendary Shot to Keep the UConn Dynasty Alive
With no other option, Mullins took his chance with the game on the line. The ball went through the net with 0.4 seconds remaining, keeping UConn’s hopes alive of winning a third national title in four years. « We were trying to force a turnover or foul their worst free throw shooter, and the ball got deflected », Mullins said. « I threw the ball to (Karaban). I thought he (Karaban) was going to shoot the ball. He threw it back to me and I had to shoot. »
The shot was something Mullins had recreated growing up. « You play for these moments », Mullins said. « You dream about them. You definitely had that (thought) as a kid. It’s a once in a lifetime experience. »
Mullins’ heroics were preceded by a largely dominant effort from Duke behind twins Cameron and Cayden Boozer, who combined for 42 points. UConn cut a 15-point halftime lead to single digits with 12:20 remaining, but the Blue Devils led by 11 points with less than eight minutes left.
UConn coach Dan Hurley praised his team’s resilience: « You need strong men. You need a strong team. You need a tough team. You need strong men. You need a group of players who let us coach them, let us coach them hard. It starts in June. We run a very intense program. »
Karaban and Ball, the two remaining starters from the team that won consecutive titles in 2023-2024, struggled throughout the game, combining for only 15 points on 5 of 21 shooting. But each was essential in the comeback when the pressure was at its highest. In the crucial final seconds, Karaban made a winning decision by passing the ball back to a freshman instead of taking a potentially game-winning shot himself.
« When I saw Braylon, and for some reason I had the instinct to pass to him », Karaban said. « I looked at the rim and there were five seconds left, and I thought maybe something better could develop. I had Cam Boozer in front of me, which was a harder, more difficult shot, so I passed to Braylon. When I saw him release it, I thought, this could really go in. »
BRAYLON MULLINS ARE YOU KIDDING 🤯🤯🤯
UCONN COMES BACK FROM 19 TO ADVANCE TO THE FINAL FOUR 🚨🚨🚨 pic.twitter.com/GLdrvxt4wW
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 29, 2026
This improbable victory keeps UConn’s quest alive to win a third title in four seasons, something accomplished by only two schools (Kentucky and UCLA), neither having done it in the last 50 years. The next step will be against 3rd-ranked Illinois in the national semifinal Saturday in Indianapolis.
With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
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