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The UConn Huskies needed to dig themselves out of a second-half hole against the Duke Blue Devils, and behind Braylon Mullins’ clutch three-pointer and Tarris Reed Jr.’s high scoring percentage, they were able to pull off an incredible comeback to advance to the Final Four.
The Huskies were able to effectively pressure the Blue Devils into a turnover with less than seven seconds left. Caden Boozer had his pass deflected and the ball found its way into Mullins’ hands.
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UConn guard Braylon Mullins (24) celebrates after a basket against Duke during 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 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 beyond the 3-point line when he threw the ball. His prayer was answered when the ball went through the back of the net. UConn’s 19-point comeback was complete as the Huskies bench jumped for joy.
UConn was able to get the ball into Reed many times over the course of the game and for almost half of the second half, the Huskies were in the bonus. Reed finished with 26 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field with nine rebounds. He was 6 of 9 from the free throw line.
MICHIGAN DEFEATS TENNESSEE TO WIN REGIONAL FINAL, ENTER NCAA MEN’S FINAL FOUR
Duke guard Dame Sarr celebrates a basket against UConn during 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 three points with 28 seconds left. UConn guard Silas Demary Jr. was fouled and headed to the free throw line to take two shots. He missed the first and scored the second. The second free throw allowed UConn to set up its pressure defense and force a turnover at the end.
The Huskies outscored the Blue Devils 44-28 in the second half after trailing 44-29 in the first half.
Cameron Boozer led Duke with 27 points and grabbed eight rebounds.
UConn forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks during 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 returns to 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 face Illinois and Michigan will face Arizona in the Final Four.
