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The UConn Huskies needed to dig out of a second-half hole against the Duke Blue Devils, and behind Braylon Mullins’ clutch 3-pointers and Tarris Reed Jr.’s high-percentage scoring, they were able to pull off an incredible comeback win to advance to the Final Four.
The Huskies were able to effectively force the Blue Devils into a turnover with less than seven seconds remaining. Caden Boozer had his pass deflected and the ball ended up in Mullins’ hands.
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UConn guard Braylon Mullins (24) celebrates after making a basket against Duke in the second half of the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
UConn guard Braylon Mullins, right, celebrates his game-winning basket with guard Malachi Smith (0) during the second half of the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Duke, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
The freshman was well above the 3-point line when he threw the ball up. His prayer was answered when the ball went through the net. UConn’s 19-point comeback was complete as the Huskies’ bench jumped in cheers.
UConn was able to get the ball into Reed many times during the game, and for nearly half of the second half, the Huskies were in the bonus. Reed finished with 26 points on 10-of-16 from the field with nine rebounds. He was 6-of-9 from the free throw line.
MICHIGAN ROUTES TENNESSEE TO WIN REGIONAL FINAL, ENTER NCAA MEN’S FINAL FOUR
Duke guard Dame Sarr celebrates a basket against UConn in the first half of the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Duke was up by three points with 28 seconds left. UConn guard Silas Demary Jr. was fouled and went to the free throw line for two shots. He missed the first and made the second. The second free throw allowed UConn to set up its pressure defense and force the turnover at the end.
The Huskies outscored the Blue Devils 44-28 in the second half after being down 44-29 in the first half.
Cameron Boozer led Duke with 27 points and grabbed eight rebounds.
UConn forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks in the second half against Duke in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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UConn is back in the Final Four for the third time in three years. The Huskies will look to get back to the national championship after winning two titles in the last three years. UConn will take on Illinois and Michigan will face Arizona in the Final Four.
