UConn men’s basketball is headed to the Final Four for the third time in four seasons. In their previous two appearances, the Huskies advanced with ease, cruising through the early rounds. This time, however, their journey required a dramatic comeback and a stunning buzzer-beater to defeat the Blue Devils 72–70 in Sunday’s Elite Eight clash.
Trailing by five with 1:31 remaining, UConn began to rally. Solo Ball made one of two free throws to cut the deficit to four. Moments later, Tarris Reed Jr. forced a turnover, setting up Alex Karaban for his first three-pointer of the night, bringing the Huskies within one. It was the closest the score had been since early in the braylon mullins game.
Braylon Mullins: Stats, Highlights & Rising Star Story
Cameron Boozer answered with a jumper, extending Duke’s lead to 72–69 with just 28 seconds left. With the shot clock off, UConn had one final chance. Silas Demary Jr. drew a foul and went to the line, missing the first but converting the second to make it a two-point game with 10 seconds remaining.
Duke only needed to maintain possession, but as they attempted to break UConn’s press, Demary deflected the ball into Mullins’ hands. Mullins quickly passed to Karaban, who, under heavy pressure, returned it to the freshman. From nearly 40 feet out, Mullins launched a shot Nothing but net…Read more
With just 0.4 seconds on the clock, Duke attempted a last-second heave, but it was deflected. Mullins’ clutch three-pointer not only gave UConn its first lead since the opening moments but also secured their place in the Final Four.
Earlier in the game, Cameron Boozer and Duke’s talented lineup controlled the action, building a lead of up to 19 points in the first half. UConn managed to trim the margin to 15 by halftime and steadily chipped away in the second half. Within six minutes, the deficit was down to 12, then to seven three minutes later. A 7–0 run near the five-minute mark brought them within two points braylon mullins.
Duke briefly extended the lead again before Karaban’s late three-pointer narrowed the gap once more.
This victory marks UConn’s eighth Final Four appearance. They are set to face Illinois, whom they previously defeated 74–61 at Madison Square Garden in November. The teams will meet again on Saturday at 6:09 p.m braylon mullins…Read more
