UConn rallies, stuns Duke on last-second 3 to reach Final Four

WASHINGTON — Thirty-six years after Christian Laettner played the buzzer-beater. Yukon send more into the elite eight ruler In the men’s Final Four, the Huskies got their revenge.

uconn freshman Braylon Mullins — who grew up just outside of Indianapolis and will return home in search of more magic — stole the ball and buried a 3-pointer from 35 feet to cap a remarkable 19-point comeback and give the Huskies a chance. win 73-72.

They reached the Final Four for the third time in four years.

“It’s a UConn culture, a UConn heart,” coach Dan Hurley said. “We believe we should be winning at this time of year.”

UConn trailed by nearly 19 points in the first half, and Duke still led by double digits with more than six minutes remaining. But taris reed jrKay’s 26 points kept the Huskies close and a flurry of 3-pointers in the final four minutes put UConn on top.

The Blue Devils were led by UConn’s first three Silas Demery Jr. Made one of two free throws with 10 seconds remaining. Duke was playing keep-away to prevent the Huskies from fouling. caden boozerThe pass near midcourt was deflected, and after UConn got the ball, Mullins hit a shot from well beyond the 3-point line.

This is the second consecutive season to end in a landslide for Duke, which was the top overall seed in this year’s tournament. Blue Devils lead by six with 1:14 remaining before falling houston In last year’s national semi-finals.

In possibly his final college game, Naismith was the Player of the Year cameron boozer He had 27 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

With the Huskies’ win, the Final Four is finalized. Illinois Will face UConn and michigan but will take Arizona Next Saturday, the winners will compete for the national title two nights later.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.