Cinderella UConn Stuns Duke, Joins Final Four Favorites
Braylon Mullins' buzzer-beating 3-pointer lifts UConn over Duke, completing the 2026 NCAA Final Four lineup. Read about the thrilling upset and the teams that will compete for the championship.
UConn, the surprise of this year's NCAA Tournament, pulled off another stunning upset on Sunday, knocking off Duke with a last-second 3-pointer to earn a spot in the Final Four. Braylon Mullins, a native of the Indianapolis area, drilled the game-winning shot from well beyond the arc as time expired, sending the Huskies to the national semifinals.
The Duke loss leaves the Final Four field set, with Illinois, Arizona, and Michigan joining UConn in the quest for the national championship. These four teams have all shown their mettle throughout the tournament, with each earning impressive wins to reach this stage.
For UConn, the journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. The Huskies were not expected to make it this far, but they have consistently defied the odds, knocking off higher-seeded opponents and showcasing their grit and determination. Mullins' game-winning shot was the exclamation point on a thrilling victory that has cemented UConn's status as this year's Cinderella story.
Meanwhile, the other three teams in the Final Four have all been dominant forces throughout the tournament. Illinois has relied on its stifling defense and balanced scoring attack to win tight games, while Arizona has leaned on its dynamic backcourt and Michigan has showcased its versatility and experience.
As the Final Four approaches, the anticipation is palpable. Fans are eager to see which team will emerge victorious and claim the national championship. The matchups promise to be intensely competitive, with each team bringing unique strengths and strategies to the table.
Regardless of the outcome, this year's NCAA Tournament has already provided countless thrilling moments and unforgettable memories. The Final Four promises to be the perfect culmination of an incredible journey, as the best of the best battle it out for the ultimate prize.
With the stage set and the anticipation building, basketball fans across the country are eagerly awaiting the start of the Final Four. The action is sure to be intense, the drama palpable, and the thrill of the moment unmatched. Fans can expect a weekend of pure excitement as these four teams vie for the national championship.
Source: NPR
