WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following a span of 36 years since Christian Laettner sank a last-second shot to triumph over UConn during the Elite Eight round, thereby propelling Duke into the men’s championship semifinals, the Huskies finally exacted their retribution.
First-year UConn player Braylon Mullins intercepted the pass and drained a three-point shot from a distance of 35 feet, concluding an extraordinary 19-point rally and securing a narrow 73-72 triumph for the Huskies.
UConn progresses to the Final Four, marking their third appearance in four years.
During the initial half, UConn fell behind by up to 19 points, and Duke maintained a lead of ten points or more with slightly more than six minutes remaining. However, Tarris Reed Jr.’s contribution of 26 points ensured the Huskies stayed competitive, and a rapid succession of three-point shots during the concluding four minutes propelled UConn to victory.
Presumably in his last collegiate contest, Cameron Boozer, a leading candidate for the Naismith Player of the Year award, amassed 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists.