Braylon Mullins hit a remarkable 3-point shot with only 0.4 seconds remaining, propelling UConn to a stunning 73-72 triumph over Duke, the tournament’s top seed, in Washington on Sunday. The victory secured UConn a spot in the Final Four after overcoming a daunting 19-point deficit in the first half.
Just as Duke held a three-point lead, UConn’s Silas Demary Jr. converted one of two free throws with only 10 seconds left. In a strategic move to avoid fouling, Duke attempted to run out the clock, but a crucial turnover near midcourt led to Mullins sinking a long-range 3-pointer after retrieving the loose ball.
This heartbreaking loss marks Duke’s second consecutive season-ending collapse, having been the overall top seed in this year’s tournament. Last year, Duke squandered a six-point lead with 1:14 left on the clock, resulting in defeat against Houston in the national semifinals.
Despite struggling from beyond the arc, with a 5 for 23 finish, including missing 18 of their first 19 attempts, UConn’s memorable last shot will be etched in Connecticut’s history for years to come. UConn now advances to the Final Four alongside Illinois, Arizona, and Michigan.
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