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The UConn Huskies had to dig themselves out of a hole in the second half against the Duke Blue Devils, and behind Braylon Mullins’ clutch 3-pointer and Tarris Reed Jr.’s high scoring percentage, they managed to pull off an incredible comeback victory 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 saw his pass deflected and the ball fell into the hands of Mullins.
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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/Stéphanie 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/Stéphanie Scarbrough)
The freshman was well beyond the 3-point line when he threw the ball. His prayer was answered when the ball crossed the back of the net. UConn’s 19-point comeback was complete as the Huskies’ bench jumped for joy.
UConn managed to get the ball to Reed several 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 RUNS OUT OF TENNESSEE TO WIN REGIONAL FINAL AND MAKE WAY TO 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/Stéphanie Scarbrough)
Duke led by three points with 28 seconds remaining. UConn guard Silas Demary Jr. was fouled and went to the free throw line for two shots. He failed the first and succeeded in the second. The second free throw allowed UConn to set up its press defense and force the turnover in 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 is back in the Final Four for the third time in three years. The Huskies will try to return 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.
