In a thrilling climax to the Elite Eight round of the 2026 NCAA March Madness Tournament, the UConn Huskies emerged victorious over the top-seeded Duke Blue Devils, with Braylon Mullins hitting a spectacular three-pointer just 0.4 seconds before the final buzzer. The match, held on Sunday, 29 March, ended with a nail-biting score of 73-72, propelling UConn into the Final Four.
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The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as the teams battled fiercely for a coveted spot in the upcoming rounds. Minutes before the decisive shot, UConn found themselves trailing by two points, leaving fans and players alike on the edge of their seats. However, it was Mullins who rose to the occasion, delivering a shot that will no doubt be remembered in tournament history.
Following the dramatic win, Mullins celebrated alongside his girlfriend, Kylee Beranek, capturing the joyous moment in a TikTok video that resonated with fans. Beranek shared the video shortly after the game concluded, showcasing the couple’s elation following the big win. The video featured them dancing together while the sound of The Jackson 5’s classic, “Goin’ Back to Indiana,” provided a fitting backdrop to their jubilant celebration.
Beranek, sporting a UConn shirt emblazoned with the phrase “We’re Not Done,” demonstrated her team spirit throughout the video. Not only did she wear the team’s colours, but she also donned custom jeans featuring Mullins’ surname, making her support unmistakable. The TikTok video documented a moment of pure joy, with Beranek dancing and cheerfully interacting with Mullins, culminating in a shared kiss that encapsulated their celebration.
With UConn now gearing up for their Final Four match at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, excitement is palpable, especially as the venue holds significance for the couple; both hail from the state of Indiana. They will face third-seeded Illinois on Saturday, 4 April, with both teams eager to secure their place in the championship game.
In the aftermath of his game-winning moment, Mullins appeared on the Today show, sharing his emotions with viewers. Describing the events from the final moments of the game, he expressed disbelief at the outcome. “I can’t even explain it myself. It’s crazy that all that happened yesterday,” he reflected.
Mullins recounted the tension-filled seconds leading to his pivotal shot. After their defensive efforts led to a turnover by Duke, he found himself in possession of the ball. Initially planning to pass it to teammate Alex Karaban who had recently scored, Mullins instead realised time was running out and seized the moment. “I knew there was like 0.4 seconds left on the clock, so I thought that was the best opportunity we were gonna get,” he stated, recalling the pivotal split-second decision.
The embrace of sportsmanship and celebration witnessed in the aftermath of the match reflects the spirit of college basketball, where emotions run high and victories are fiercely celebrated. For Mullins, this win represents not only a personal triumph but also a significant step for UConn, who will now aim to advance further in the tournament.
As UConn prepares for their next challenge, the camaraderie among players and the support from loved ones play a crucial role in bolstering morale. The buzz surrounding the team will undoubtedly heighten as they strive to add another chapter to their storied basketball programme. With fans across the country rallying behind them, the road to the championship is set to unfold in exciting fashion.