This year’s March Madness will be remembered for its drama, but nothing defined the tournament so far more than UConn’s furious comeback against Duke. Down 19 late in the first half and struggling from the perimeter, the Huskies chipped away until freshman Braylon Mullins buried a 35-foot with less than a second remaining, completing one of the most dramatic turnarounds in recent tournament history.
That shot sends UConn to its third Final Four in four seasons and headlines a field that includes Illinois, Michigan and Arizona — a final quartet only 12,624 (0.34 percent) brackets correctly guessed.
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UConn
UConn completed one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent NCAA tournament history, erasing a 19‑point deficit to defeat top overall seed Duke 73–72 in the Elite Eight. The Huskies struggled early, falling behind 44–25 late in the first half as Duke’s offense controlled the pace and the Boozer twins combined for 27 first‑half points. UConn opened just 1‑for‑18 from three but stayed afloat behind Tarris Reed Jr.’s interior scoring and a second‑half defensive surge that gradually tightened the game.
BRAYLON MULLINS 🥶
March Madness Moment.#MarchMadness @UConnMBB https://t.co/Gi4hwpbRT2 pic.twitter.com/byRRksznuA
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 29, 2026
In the final minute, UConn’s pressure forced key Duke turnovers, Alex Karaban hit his first three of the day to cut the deficit to one, and the Huskies capitalized when a deflected pass found freshman Braylon Mullins at mid-court. His 35-foot three with 0.4 seconds remaining gave UConn its first lead since the opening minute when the score was 2-0 and secured the program’s third Final Four berth in four seasons. Before the game, No. 1 seeds were 134-0 when leading by 15 points or more at the half. The ever-consistent Huskies now advance to face Illinois in Indianapolis looking to win a third title in four years.
Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois earned its first Final Four berth since 2005 with a 71–59 bruising win over Iowa. After a tight opening 30 minutes, the Illini overpowered the Hawkeyes down the stretch, closing the game on a decisive run and dominating the interior.
Illinois finished with a +17 rebounding margin and a 40–12 advantage in points in the paint. Freshman standout Keaton Wagler led the scoring effort with 25 points, while Andrej Stojakovic and Tomislav Ivisic combined for 30. This marks Illinois’ sixth Final Four appearance and its first under Brad Underwood, who has guided the program to one of its most successful multi‑year stretches in decades. The Illini now face UConn in a matchup that pits two of the tournament’s most balanced teams against each other.
Wagler puts @IlliniMBB back out front 😮💨#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/64kqcQ5x7d
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 28, 2026
Michigan Wolverines
Michigan advanced with one of the most dominant Elite Eight performances of the modern era, a 95–62 rout of Tennessee that showcased the Wolverines’ size and depth. Michigan built a 22‑point halftime lead — one of the largest in Elite Eight history — and never allowed the Volunteers to recover.
The Wolverines have been one of the tournament’s most efficient offensive teams, hitting at least 10 three‑pointers in every game on elite accuracy. Their defensive length and rim protection have been equally impactful, limiting opponents’ second‑chance opportunities and forcing difficult shots. Yaxel Lendeborg was the star of the show with 27 points while four total Wolverines scored in double figures. This is Michigan’s first Final Four appearance since 2018. Wolverines will arrive in Indianapolis with momentum looking to win its first national title since 1989.
YAXEL SOARS IN 💪#MarchMadness @umichbball pic.twitter.com/vyvGViWHtv
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 29, 2026
Arizona Wildcats
Arizona powered into the Final Four with a 79–64 win over Purdue, flipping a seven‑point halftime deficit into a commanding second‑half performance. The Wildcats outscored Purdue by 22 after the break. Arizona’s balanced attack featured contributions from across the roster. Ivan Kharchenkov and Koa Peat controlled the interior combining for 38 points and 15 rebounds, Jaden Bradley orchestrated the offense with 14 points and six assists, and Brayden Burries provided the perimeter shooting going 4-7 from deep and stretching Purdue’s defense while Motiejus Krivas anchored the paint with 12 boards.
That is TOUGH 🥶#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/nbk0Uzsuzp
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 29, 2026
The Wildcats’ 36th win of the season sets a program record and sends them to their first Final Four since 2001. Arizona has been a legitimate title contender for a couple of years and now has finally reached the semifinal looking to do more.
