The echoes of a deflected pass, a desperate heave, and the swish of the net will reverberate through UConn basketball lore for years to come. Braylon Mullins’ improbable three-pointer with just 0.4 seconds remaining on the clock lifted the Huskies to a stunning 73-72 victory over top-seeded Duke on Sunday, securing their place in the Final Four. The win, a remarkable comeback from a 15-point first-half deficit, wasn’t just a game. it was a testament to resilience and a reminder of the unpredictable magic that defines March Madness. This NCAA Tournament run for UConn continues, fueled by a shot that will be replayed endlessly.
The scene at the conclude was chaotic. Duke, seemingly in control, led by three with 10 seconds left. Silas Demary Jr. Managed to cut the lead to two with a free throw, but the Blue Devils attempted to run out the clock, hoping to avoid a foul. A midcourt pass by Cayden Boozer was deflected, and UConn recovered possession. Demary, falling backward, launched a shot from well beyond the three-point arc, a prayer answered in the most dramatic fashion. The moment was captured and quickly spread across social media, including a viral post from the official NCAA March Madness account.
OH MY GOODNESS 😱
UCONN LEADSSSS UNBELIEVABLE #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/IPX2JWiw0b— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 29, 2026
A Second Straight Heartbreak for Duke
For Duke, the loss is a crushing blow, marking the second consecutive season of late-game collapse in the tournament. Last year, as the No. 1 overall seed, they fell to Houston in the national semi-finals after leading late. This year’s defeat feels particularly stinging, given their dominant regular season and top seeding. Duke coach Jon Scheyer will undoubtedly face questions about the team’s ability to close out games under pressure. The Blue Devils’ struggles down the stretch are becoming a concerning pattern.
UConn’s victory was all the more remarkable considering their shooting woes for much of the game. They missed 18 of their first 19 three-point attempts, finishing a dismal 5-for-23 from beyond the arc. It was Mullins’ lone three-pointer, the one that mattered most, that ultimately changed the narrative. The Huskies demonstrated a grit and determination that extended beyond the stat sheet, refusing to succumb to their shooting struggles.
Michigan Dominates Tennessee, Advances to the Final Four
In Sunday’s other Elite Eight matchup, Michigan delivered a dominant performance, overwhelming Tennessee 95-62. Yaxel Lendeborg led the Wolverines with 27 points, although Elliot Cadeau orchestrated the offense with 10 assists. Michigan’s size and athleticism proved too much for the Volunteers to handle, securing their first Final Four appearance since 2018 and their ninth overall.
Morez Johnson Jr. Added 12 points for Michigan, who have now won 11 games this season by at least 30 points. Aday Mara contributed 11 points and two blocks, showcasing the team’s defensive prowess. Lendeborg was named the region’s Most Outstanding Player, having scored at least 23 points in three consecutive NCAA Tournament games – a feat not accomplished by a Michigan player since Juwan Howard in 1994.
Wolverines Set for Showdown with Arizona
Michigan’s victory sets up a highly anticipated Final Four showdown with Arizona on Saturday. “We always wanted to play against them, that team,” Lendeborg said, expressing the Wolverines’ eagerness for the challenge. Under second-year coach Dusty May, who previously led Florida Atlantic to the Final Four in 2023, Michigan has become the first team to win at least four NCAA tournament games by double digits while scoring 90 or more points in each contest.
Tennessee, led by Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s 21 points, struggled to contain Michigan’s offensive firepower. This marks the third consecutive year the Volunteers have fallen short in the Elite Eight under coach Rick Barnes, who reached his only Final Four appearance in 2003 while at Texas. Barnes acknowledged the difficulty of reaching this stage, stating, “We certainly know what it takes to get here. 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.”
The Wolverines’ success is built on a foundation of size, athleticism, and a relentless offensive attack. Their ability to consistently score in the 90s makes them a formidable opponent for any team. Michigan’s dominant performance against Tennessee sends a clear message to the rest of the field: they are a serious contender for the national championship.
The Final Four will be held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on April 3rd and 5th. UConn will face either Illinois or Iowa State, while Michigan will take on Arizona. The stage is set for a thrilling weekend of college basketball, and the quest for the national championship is down to the final four teams.
As UConn and Michigan celebrate their hard-fought victories, Duke and Tennessee are left to reflect on what could have been. The NCAA Tournament continues to deliver unforgettable moments, and this year’s edition has already provided plenty of drama and excitement. The focus now shifts to Glendale, where the next chapter of March Madness will unfold.
What are your thoughts on UConn’s incredible win and Michigan’s dominant performance? Share your predictions for the Final Four in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow college basketball fans.
