Mullins' Buzzer 3 Propels UConn To Final Four; Illinois Awaits
Braylon Mullins hit a 35-foot game-winning 3 as UConn rallied to beat Duke 73-72, sending the Huskies to a Final Four semifinal against Illinois Saturday in Indianapolis at 5:09 p.m.
Chicago Sun-TimesIllinois will face UConn in Final Four in rematch of Huskies' November win
MEDIAite‘Utterly Impossible!’ UCONN Stuns Duke With Last-Second Bomb to Advance to Final Four
NPRThe Final Four is set with UConn stunning Duke to join Illinois, Arizona and Michigan
NBC NewsNo. 2 UConn shocks No. 1 Duke with last-second 3 to advance to men's Final Four
Overview
UConn rallied from a 17- to 19-point deficit to beat Duke 73-72 on a 35-foot three by freshman Braylon Mullins with 0.3 to 0.4 seconds remaining, advancing to the Final Four.
UConn is chasing a national title for the third time in four seasons after reaching its third Final Four in four years, according to reports.
Coach Dan Hurley said, "We just believe we're supposed to win this time of year," reflecting UConn's confidence after the comeback, according to reports.
The Final Four field includes Arizona (36-2), Michigan (35-3), UConn (33-5) and Illinois (28-8), with Illinois making its first Final Four since 2005, according to reports.
Illinois will face UConn Saturday at 5:09 p.m. on TBS, TNT and truTV in Indianapolis, while Michigan meets Arizona in the other semifinal; the winners play for the title two nights later.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the Final Four as a dramatic showdown emphasizing comebacks and narratives of destiny, highlighting UConn’s last-second heroics, Arizona’s favoritism via betting odds, and Michigan’s dominant win. Language choices and placement favor excitement and storylines over tactical or balanced perspectives, with few player or coach voices included.
FAQ
UConn rallied from a 17-19 point deficit in their Elite Eight matchup against Duke, ultimately winning 73-72 on a dramatic 35-foot three-pointer by freshman Braylon Mullins with just 0.3 to 0.4 seconds remaining[1][3][5]. Coach Dan Hurley attributed the comeback to the team's confidence, stating 'We just believe we're supposed to win this time of year,' demonstrating UConn's mental toughness and resilience during tournament play[1].
UConn is chasing a national title for the third time in four seasons after reaching its third Final Four in four years[1]. The Huskies have established themselves as consistent contenders in the NCAA tournament during this period, demonstrating sustained excellence under Coach Dan Hurley's leadership.
The Final Four field includes **Arizona** (36-2), **Michigan** (35-3), **UConn** (33-5), and **Illinois** (28-8)[1]. Illinois is making its first Final Four appearance since 2005, while the other three teams represent some of the strongest programs in college basketball this season[1].
UConn will face Illinois in a Final Four semifinal on **Saturday, April 4 at 5:09 p.m.** at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis[1][3]. The game will be broadcast on TBS, TNT, and truTV, while Michigan will meet Arizona in the other semifinal on the same day, with the championship game scheduled for Monday, April 6[1].
**Freshman Braylon Mullins** was the hero of the Elite Eight victory, hitting the game-winning 35-foot three-pointer with just 0.3 to 0.4 seconds remaining to secure the 73-72 win over Duke[1]. The dramatic shot sent UConn to the Final Four and will be remembered as one of the most clutch moments in the tournament.
