UConn Stuns Duke with Last-Second Three-Pointer in March Madness Thriller
In a heart-stopping finish that will be etched into NCAA Tournament lore, Braylon Mullins sank a desperation three-pointer with just 0.4 seconds remaining on the clock, propelling UConn to an astonishing 73-72 victory over top-seeded Duke on Sunday. This dramatic win secured the Huskies a coveted spot in the Final Four, capping off a remarkable comeback from a 15-point first-half deficit.
A Collapse for the Ages
The Blue Devils appeared poised for victory, holding a three-point lead with only 10 seconds left in the game. UConn's Silas Demary Jr managed to make one of two free throws, narrowing the margin to two points. As Duke attempted to run out the clock and avoid a foul, Cayden Boozer's pass near midcourt was deflected. UConn seized the opportunity, and Mullins launched a shot from well beyond the three-point line, sending the ball through the net as the buzzer sounded.
"I saw three seconds [were left on the clock] and it was the last shot," Mullins told CBS after the game. "Just happy to see that shit go in. I'm so happy."
This loss marks the second consecutive season ending in a devastating collapse for Duke, who entered the tournament as the top overall seed. Historically, No. 1 seeds had been 134-0 when leading by 15 points or more at halftime in the NCAA Tournament; that perfect record now stands at a staggering 134-1.
Coaches React to the Shock Result
Duke coach Jon Scheyer expressed profound disappointment, struggling to articulate the team's heartbreak. "I could not be more disappointed and feeling for our guys, at the same time of just trying to process what happened," Scheyer said. "I don't have the words. I don't have the words."
UConn's performance was far from flawless, as the team missed 18 of their first 19 attempts from three-point range, finishing 5 for 23 overall. However, that fifth three-pointer will be remembered in Connecticut for generations to come.
"It just felt like the window where you've just got to let March Madness take over," UConn coach Dan Hurley remarked. "March magic."
Michigan Dominates Tennessee to Advance
In Sunday's other Elite Eight matchup, Michigan delivered a commanding performance, overwhelming Tennessee with a 95-62 victory to secure their place in the Final Four. Yaxel Lendeborg led the charge with 27 points, while Elliot Cadeau contributed 10 assists, showcasing the team's offensive prowess.
Morez Johnson Jr added 12 points for top-seeded Michigan, who recorded their 11th victory this season by at least 30 points. Aday Mara chipped in with 11 points and two blocked shots in the Midwest Region final.
Leveraging their size and athleticism, Michigan (35-3) advanced to their first Final Four since 2018 and ninth overall in school history. They now face a highly anticipated showdown with Arizona in Saturday's national semi-finals.
"We always wanted to play against them, that team," Lendeborg said. "They're a really, really good team, so it's going to be a super fun matchup."
Historic Achievements and Coaching Milestones
Under second-year coach Dusty May, who previously guided Florida Atlantic to the Final Four in 2023, Michigan has made history. The Wolverines became the first school to win at least four games in an NCAA tournament by double digits while scoring 90 points or more in each contest.
Lendeborg, named the region's Most Outstanding Player, shot 10 for 19 from the field. He is the first Michigan player to score at least 23 points in three consecutive NCAA Tournament games since Juwan Howard achieved this feat in four straight games back in 1994.
For Tennessee (25-12), Ja'Kobi Gillespie scored 21 points on 8-of-22 shooting, but it wasn't enough to overcome Michigan's dominance. The Volunteers have now lost in the Elite Eight for the third consecutive year under coach Rick Barnes, who reached his only Final Four in 2003 with Texas.
"We certainly know what it takes to get here," Barnes reflected. "Now we've got to figure out getting through to the next level, and it's on this day, you've got to really be at your best."
