University of Connecticut Upsets Duke

Duke was 35-3 going into March Madness, they were the favorites to win it, they were the number one seed, they were on top of the world. But it all came crashing down thanks to freshman Baylin Mullins. Duke led by three before the University of Connecticut’s Silas Demary Jr. made one free throw with ten seconds left. Cayden Boozer attempted an overhead pass that was deflected by Demary. The ball ended up in the hands of UCONN. After a back-and-forth between Mullins and Karaban, Braylin Mullins let one go from 35 feet out and swished it.

UCONN was the #2 seed in the East bracket. To get up to Duke, they had to beat #15 Furman, #7 UCLA, and #3 University of Michigan. UCONN was 33-5 going into the tournament. Throughout the game, UCONN’s highest win probability throughout the game was 34.9 percent. The largest lead UCONN had was two points, and they only led in two percent of the game. Only two people on UCONN had over 10 points. One being Tarris Reed Jr., who had an amazing game, having 26 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 4 blocks. Alex Karaban, who assisted the final shot, had a pretty quiet game. Karaban played 38 minutes and only had 5 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Duke was the #1 seed going into the game, and at one point in the game, had a 98.7 percent chance to win the game. Freshman Cameron Boozer is expected to get drafted next NBA season. Duke was the #2 most picked team to win March Madness. Brothers Cameron and Cayden Boozer combined for 42 points in this game. Cameron Boozer had 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. What set Duke back in this game was the fact that they had 17 turnovers compared to UCONN’s five. Duke led in almost every statistic, only being behind in points, points off turnover, steals, and blocks. UCONN scored 20 points off a Duke turnover, 3 of those points being a game-winner. 

Duke had a great run throughout this season. They had a great record, great teamwork, and great individual players. Duke had a freshman going to the NBA. UCONN has three players projected to get drafted. Freshman Braylin Mullins, and seniors Alex Karaban and Terris Reed Jr. After UCONN pulled off the upset, they went on to beat Illinois 71-62, but sadly lost in the finals 63-69 to Michigan. In the Finals, four out of the five starters had over 10 points. 

UCONN went on a great run this year, beating many good teams, and even though they lost in the finals, they surprised everyone by upsetting Duke. Braylin Mullins gained massive popularity and is projected to go in the first round of the NBA draft.