UConn guard Braylon Mullins (24) celebrates after a basket against Duke during the second half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

UConn guard Braylon Mullins (24) celebrates after a basket against Duke during the second half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Stephanie Scarbrough/APWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Braylon Mullins #24 celebrates with Malachi Smith #0 of the UConn Huskies after shooting the game-winning three point basket during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Braylon Mullins #24 celebrates with Malachi Smith #0 of the UConn Huskies after shooting the game-winning three point basket during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies looks on during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies looks on during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Silas Demary Jr. #2 of the UConn Huskies passes around Cayden Boozer #2 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Silas Demary Jr. #2 of the UConn Huskies passes around Cayden Boozer #2 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Emilee Chinn/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Nikolas Khamenia #14 of the Duke Blue Devils drives to the rim during the first half of a game against the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Nikolas Khamenia #14 of the Duke Blue Devils drives to the rim during the first half of a game against the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Assistant coach Luke Murray talks with head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Assistant coach Luke Murray talks with head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Cayden Boozer #2 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during the first half of a game against the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Cayden Boozer #2 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during the first half of a game against the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Emilee Chinn/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Assistant coach Luke Murray talks with head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Assistant coach Luke Murray talks with head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies looks on during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies looks on during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Emilee Chinn/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Malachi Smith #0 of the UConn Huskies takes the ball out against the Duke Blue Devils during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Malachi Smith #0 of the UConn Huskies takes the ball out against the Duke Blue Devils during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Emilee Chinn/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies drives around Patrick Ngongba #21 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies drives around Patrick Ngongba #21 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Emilee Chinn/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Head coach Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils reacts during the first half of a game against the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Head coach Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils reacts during the first half of a game against the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Emilee Chinn/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Malachi Smith #0 of the UConn Huskies reacts during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Malachi Smith #0 of the UConn Huskies reacts during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Emilee Chinn/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Cameron Boozer #12 and Cayden Boozer #2 of the Duke Blue Devils \looks on prior to a game against the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Cameron Boozer #12 and Cayden Boozer #2 of the Duke Blue Devils \looks on prior to a game against the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Solo Ball #1 of the UConn Huskies looks on prior to a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Solo Ball #1 of the UConn Huskies looks on prior to a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies looks on during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies looks on during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies reacts during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies reacts during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies reacts during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies reacts during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Head coach Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during the first half of a game against the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Head coach Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during the first half of a game against the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies gets a hand on a shot from Cayden Boozer #2 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies gets a hand on a shot from Cayden Boozer #2 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies defends a shot Cayden Boozer #2 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies defends a shot Cayden Boozer #2 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Cayden Boozer #2 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during the first half of a game against the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Cayden Boozer #2 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during the first half of a game against the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies reacts during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies reacts during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies defends a shot Cayden Boozer #2 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies defends a shot Cayden Boozer #2 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Cameron Boozer #12 of the Duke Blue Devils and Eric Reibe #12 of the UConn Huskies battle for a rebound during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Cameron Boozer #12 of the Duke Blue Devils and Eric Reibe #12 of the UConn Huskies battle for a rebound during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Cameron Boozer #12 of the Duke Blue Devils and Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies battle for the ball during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Cameron Boozer #12 of the Duke Blue Devils and Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies battle for the ball during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Cameron Boozer #12 of the Duke Blue Devils and Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies battle for the ball during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Cameron Boozer #12 of the Duke Blue Devils and Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies battle for the ball during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Cameron Boozer #12 of the Duke Blue Devils and Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies battle for the ball during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Cameron Boozer #12 of the Duke Blue Devils and Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies battle for the ball during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Cameron Boozer #12 of the Duke Blue Devils takes a free throw against the UConn Huskies during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Cameron Boozer #12 of the Duke Blue Devils takes a free throw against the UConn Huskies during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Head coach Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during the first half of a game against the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Head coach Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during the first half of a game against the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Emilee Chinn/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies looks on against the Duke Blue Devils during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies looks on against the Duke Blue Devils during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Emilee Chinn/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies looks on during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies looks on during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Emilee Chinn/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Head coach Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during the first half of a game against the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Head coach Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during the first half of a game against the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies looks on during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies looks on during the first half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Silas Demary Jr. #2 of the UConn Huskies drives around Cayden Boozer #2 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Silas Demary Jr. #2 of the UConn Huskies drives around Cayden Boozer #2 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Emilee Chinn/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies handles the ball in the first half against Maliq Brown #6 of the Duke Blue Devils during the Elite Eight round game of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies handles the ball in the first half against Maliq Brown #6 of the Duke Blue Devils during the Elite Eight round game of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament held at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

Scott Taetsch/NCAA Photos via Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Bill Murray watches the game between the Duke Blue Devils and the UConn Huskies in the first half during the Elite Eight round game of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Bill Murray watches the game between the Duke Blue Devils and the UConn Huskies in the first half during the Elite Eight round game of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament held at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

Scott Taetsch/NCAA Photos via Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies grabs a reboundl in the first half against Cameron Boozer #12 and Patrick Ngongba II #21 of the Duke Blue Devils during the Elite Eight round game of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies grabs a reboundl in the first half against Cameron Boozer #12 and Patrick Ngongba II #21 of the Duke Blue Devils during the Elite Eight round game of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament held at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

Scott Taetsch/NCAA Photos via Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball in the first half against Patrick Ngongba II #21 of the Duke Blue Devils during the Elite Eight round game of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball in the first half against Patrick Ngongba II #21 of the Duke Blue Devils during the Elite Eight round game of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament held at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

Scott Taetsch/NCAA Photos via Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Cameron Boozer #12 and Cayden Boozer #2 of the Duke Blue Devils \looks on prior to a game against the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Cameron Boozer #12 and Cayden Boozer #2 of the Duke Blue Devils \looks on prior to a game against the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesUConn fans look on as players are introduced prior to the first half against Duke in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

UConn fans look on as players are introduced prior to the first half against Duke in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Abbie Parr/APWASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies talks to his team before the game against the Duke Blue Devils during the Elite Eight round game of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brett Wilhelm/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies talks to his team before the game against the Duke Blue Devils during the Elite Eight round game of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament held at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brett Wilhelm/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

Brett Wilhelm/NCAA Photos via Getty ImagesUConn forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) is pressured by Duke forward Maliq Brown (6) during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

UConn forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) is pressured by Duke forward Maliq Brown (6) during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Stephanie Scarbrough/APUConn guard Solo Ball (1) defends as Duke guard Dame Sarr (7) drives to the basket during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

UConn guard Solo Ball (1) defends as Duke guard Dame Sarr (7) drives to the basket during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Abbie Parr/APUConn forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) battles Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) and center Patrick Ngongba (21) for the rebound during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

UConn forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) battles Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) and center Patrick Ngongba (21) for the rebound during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Stephanie Scarbrough/APUConn head coach Dan Hurley talks with the referee during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Duke, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

UConn head coach Dan Hurley talks with the referee during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Duke, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Stephanie Scarbrough/APDuke forward Cameron Boozer (12) reaches for the ball during the first half against UConn in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) reaches for the ball during the first half against UConn in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Abbie Parr/APUConn forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) shoots as Duke center Patrick Ngongba, right, looks on during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

UConn forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) shoots as Duke center Patrick Ngongba, right, looks on during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Stephanie Scarbrough/APDuke forward Cameron Boozer (12) drives to the basket as UConn forward Alex Karaban, left, and UConn guard Braylon Mullins, right, defend during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) drives to the basket as UConn forward Alex Karaban, left, and UConn guard Braylon Mullins, right, defend during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Abbie Parr/APThe Duke mascot performs during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament against UConn, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

The Duke mascot performs during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament against UConn, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Stephanie Scarbrough/APDuke guard Cayden Boozer (2) brings the ball up the court during the first half against UConn in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Duke guard Cayden Boozer (2) brings the ball up the court during the first half against UConn in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Abbie Parr/APUConn forward Jaylin Stewart (3) celebrates after a turnover during the first half against Duke in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

UConn forward Jaylin Stewart (3) celebrates after a turnover during the first half against Duke in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Abbie Parr/APDuke forward Cameron Boozer (12) looks to pass as UConn forward Jaylin Stewart (3) and UConn center Eric Reibe (12) defend during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) looks to pass as UConn forward Jaylin Stewart (3) and UConn center Eric Reibe (12) defend during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Abbie Parr/APDuke guard Caleb Foster (1) loses the ball as UConn forward Jayden Ross (23) defends during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Duke guard Caleb Foster (1) loses the ball as UConn forward Jayden Ross (23) defends during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Abbie Parr/APDuke guard Isaiah Evans (3) shoots over UConn forward Jayden Ross (23) during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Duke guard Isaiah Evans (3) shoots over UConn forward Jayden Ross (23) during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Abbie Parr/APUConn guard Braylon Mullins (24) runs a play against Duke during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

UConn guard Braylon Mullins (24) runs a play against Duke during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Stephanie Scarbrough/APUConn guard Silas Demary Jr., right, and Duke guard Cayden Boozer battle for the ball during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

UConn guard Silas Demary Jr., right, and Duke guard Cayden Boozer battle for the ball during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Stephanie Scarbrough/APUConn guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) drives agasint Duke during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

UConn guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) drives agasint Duke during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Stephanie Scarbrough/AP

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Christian Laettner, meet Braylon Mullins.

Mullins, the UConn men’s basketball team’s freshman guard, hit a 35-footer with 0.4 seconds left on Sunday to cap an incredible 73-72 comeback win over Duke in the East Regional finals and send the Huskies to their eighth Final Four. UConn (33-5) will face South Regional champion Illinois on Saturday at 6:09 p.m. (TBS/truTV) at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis — Mullins’ hometown.

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“The Indiana kid’s going back to Indianapolis!,” shouted Alex Karaban, whose record-breaking UConn career now moves on to its own third Final Four.

This was a comeback for the ages. UConn trailed by 19 late in the first half and could never get over the hump in the latter half until the very end. Silas Demary Jr. hit one of two free throws with 10 seconds left and Duke inbounded the ball and broke UConn’s pressure.

However, Demary came up with a steal at midcourt and fired to Mullins, who passed to Karaban. He threw it back to Mullins, who had missed all four of his 3-point attempts to that point. He unleashed a desperation shot that swished through the net with under a second left. 

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“I looked up at the clock, I threw it to AK. He had hit one, so I thought he was going to shoot the ball,” Mullins reported. “He threw the ball back to me, I saw three seconds on the clock, I had to shoot it. Man, it just went straight through the net.”

“I was like, ‘Why did that look good, though?’ when he shot it,” Karaban added. “And, ‘Swish!’ Unbelievable.”

Duke’s ensuing inbounds pass was deflected, aptly, by Karaban to end the game. 

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UConn guard Braylon Mullins (24) scores the winning basket during the second half against Duke in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

UConn guard Braylon Mullins (24) scores the winning basket during the second half against Duke in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Abbie Parr/AP

Duke (35-3) led by 15 at halftime and it could have been worse, given UConn’s 1-for-11 shooting from 3 and the Blue Devils’ eight offensive rebounds and 14 second-chance points.

The Huskies, as they do, fought back. With just under four minutes to play, Duke’s Isaiah Evans slipped and turned the ball over, leading to a UConn fast break. Solo Ball hit a layup, was fouled, and converted the foul shot to get UConn to within two (67-65).

But Cameron Boozer scored inside, Patrick Ngongba hit one of two free throws, and it appeared the Blue Devils would be able to hold the Huskies off.

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A long Karaban trey (his first of the game after five misses) got UConn to within a point in the final minute.

“I knew that one was going in,” Karaban insisted. “I knew one of them had to go in eventually. I’m glad that one went in. I’m never going to fall short of confidence.”

But Cameron Boozer scored on a spinning layup with 28 seconds left, and UConn called a timeout.

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies celebrates after shooting a three point basket during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies celebrates after shooting a three point basket during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Demary was fouled and hit one of two freebies. And the rest is history.

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Take that, Christian Laettner, whose buzzer-beater ended UConn’s 1990 “Dream Season.” And Cooper Flagg, who famously picked Duke over UConn a couple of years ago. And whoever was on that 1964 Duke team that beat the Huskies by 50 in the Elite Eight.

Duke owned a 44-29 halftime lead, though UConn had to feel somewhat good that it wasn’t worse, holding the Devils scoreless over the final 3½ minutes. The Boozer brothers combined to nearly match the Huskies in scoring (27 points), while UConn’s only offense came from Tarris Reed Jr. The 6-foot-11 center was unstoppable over the first eight minutes of the game, scoring 12 of the Huskies’ first 16 points.

But when Cameron Boozer viciously swatted away a Reed shot, Reed turned the ball over on the next possession then got blocked by Boozer again a little over a minute later, the cloak of invincibility around Reed disappeared, as well. He picked up his second foul with 5½ minutes left and didn’t score again in the half.

Yes, Duke outshot UConn from the foul line 12-4. Yes, the Blue Devils were only called for four fouls, UConn 10. But the referees weren’t the problem, despite Dan Hurley’s frequent sideline complaining. The Huskies missed 10 of 11 from 3, missing several open looks, while Duke’s defense was long and active.

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WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies huddles with the team prior to a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies huddles with the team prior to a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Duke also grabbed eight offensive rebounds and turned them into 14 second-chance points over the first 20 minutes.

Reed finished with 26 points and nine rebounds and was named the East Regional’s Most Outstanding Player. No other UConn player was honored.

UConn was 1-for-18 from 3 until Demary knocked down consecutive 3-pointers from opposite corners with just under seven minutes left. He finished with 11 points, Solo Ball and Mullins with 10 apiece and Malachi Smith added nine.

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UConn hit four of its final five 3-pointers.

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies celebrates after shooting the game-winning three point basket during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 29: Braylon Mullins #24 of the UConn Huskies celebrates after shooting the game-winning three point basket during the second half of a game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

Duke’s Cameron Boozer led all scorers with 27 points and his brother Cayden added 10.

Karaban is now 17-1 as a starter in NCAA Tournament games. Only Christian Laettner (21) and Hurley’s older brother Bobby (18) have started in more tournament wins. Karaban can match Bobby Hurley in the Final Four and surpass him for No. 2 all-time if the Huskies are able to win their seventh national title on April 6 in Indy.

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Rim rattlings

• UConn improved to 5-6 all-time against Duke and 3-3 in the NCAA Tournament. The teams first met in 1964, when Duke rolled to a 101-54 rout in the Elite Eight. 

• The Huskies are now 9-1 on neutral floors this season. Hurley is now 19-5 as a head coach in the NCAA Tournament, 17-3 at UConn. Karaban is now 18-1 in the Big Dance, the best record of any player this century.

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