UConn Pulls Off Stunning Comeback Against Duke in NCAA Regional Final
In a thrilling showdown in Washington, D.C., UConn stunned top-seeded Duke with a last-minute three-pointer, snatching a 73-72 victory. The Huskies had been down by as much as 19 points in the first half and were trailing by 10 with just six minutes remaining. But they fought back, making history in the process.
Braylon Mullins and Alex Karaban had a tough time at the three-point line, going 0-for-9 for nearly the entire game. But when it counted, they found their rhythm. Mullins hit a jaw-dropping 40-footer with just 0.4 seconds left, securing UConn’s place in the Final Four for the eighth time in the school’s history.
Tarris Reed Jr. was a standout player in the comeback, scoring 26 points and grabbing nine rebounds. His impressive performance earned him the title of East Regional Most Outstanding Player, averaging 21.8 points and 13.5 rebounds in the regional games.
UConn’s head coach, Dan Hurley, witnessed the drama unfold without calling a timeout. He believed it was a moment where “March Madness takes over.” Mullins later reflected on the clutch shot, saying, “I knew I had to put one up. Man, I’m just happy that was the one that went down tonight.”
Duke, on the other hand, faced heartbreak again. After last year’s disappointing semifinal loss, they were left processing this new defeat. Coach Jon Scheyer expressed his deep disappointment, stating, “I could not be more disappointed and feeling for our guys.”
This comeback is among the largest in NCAA regional final history, highlighting UConn’s resilience. The last time a one-seed lost such a large lead at halftime was in 2005, when Louisville overcame a 20-point deficit.
Duke’s challenges were aggravated by their inability to finish strong. Despite a solid season, they found themselves unable to secure the win when it mattered most. Cameron Boozer, who scored 27 points, helped Duke briefly regain control but couldn’t prevent the late-game meltdown.
UConn’s journey continues as they prepare to face third-seeded Illinois in the semifinals. Their recent run in the tournament showcases not only their winning mentality but also their knack for dramatic finishes.
Historically, UConn has been a force to reckon with in college basketball. They have now secured 18 consecutive wins in the Sweet 16 or later. The last time they lost in those rounds was in 2009. Remarkably, UConn has handed Duke heartbreak in the NCAA Tournament three times over the years, making this rivalry even more significant.
As the Final Four approaches, fans can’t help but wonder if this latest victory will be another stepping stone towards a national title, propelling UConn to new heights in the sport.
