beater lifts UConn to win over Duke
CT Insider • • general
Key Points:
- Freshman guard Braylon Mullins hit a dramatic 35-foot buzzer-beater with 0.4 seconds left, leading UConn to a 73-72 comeback victory over Duke in the East Regional finals and securing their eighth Final Four appearance.
- UConn overcame a 19-point deficit late in the first half and persistent Duke leads, with key plays from Silas Demary Jr., Alex Karaban, and Mullins in the final moments to complete the historic rally.
- Duke dominated early, holding a 44-29 halftime lead aided by eight offensive rebounds and 14 second-chance points, but UConn's late surge included hitting four of their final five three-pointers.
- UConn will face Illinois in the Final Four on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Mullins' hometown, with the Huskies now 5-6 all-time against Duke and 9-1 on neutral courts this season.
- Alex Karaban improved his NCAA Tournament starting record to 18-1, the best of any player this century, while UConn head coach Dan Hurley reached a 19-5 NCAA Tournament coaching record.
