Grant Hill Hails Braylon Mullins’ Miracle Shot as Duke’s ‘New Laettner Moment’ Amid Shocking UConn Upset
In a stunning turn of events that has the college basketball world buzzing, UConn pulled off a miraculous last-second victory over Duke, thanks to freshman sensation Braylon Mullins’ improbable triple. Basketball Hall of Famer and Duke legend Grant Hill didn’t hold back in his commentary, dubbing the moment the “new Laettner moment” while lamenting Duke’s defensive “meltdown.”[1]
A Shot for the Ages
The game, part of the fiercely contested NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 matchup, saw top-seeded Duke leading comfortably into the final seconds. With under five seconds remaining and UConn trailing by three, Huskies guard Braylon Mullins took the inbound pass, dribbled once, and heaved a desperation three-pointer from well beyond the arc. The ball banked in off the glass as the buzzer sounded, sending the UConn faithful into ecstasy and silencing the Duke contingent.[1]
Mullins, a highly touted recruit out of Ohio, had been relatively quiet throughout the game, scoring just 8 points in 32 minutes. But in that one transcendent moment, he etched his name into March Madness lore. Postgame stats showed the shot traveling 28 feet, with Mullins later crediting his high school shooting drills for the clutch performance.
“It felt good off my hands. I just threw it up and prayed,” Mullins said in the locker room, still drenched in Gatorade.
Grant Hill’s Candid Critique
Calling the game for CBS alongside Ian Eagle and Bill Raftery, Grant Hill—himself a two-time NCAA champion with Duke in 1991 and 1992—watched in disbelief as his alma mater collapsed. “This is the new Laettner moment, but not for Duke,” Hill exclaimed on air. He drew direct parallels to Christian Laettner’s iconic 1992 buzzer-beater against Kentucky, a shot that propelled Duke to their second straight national title.
Hill didn’t sugarcoat Duke’s performance, labeling the final sequence a “meltdown.” He pointed to breakdowns in defensive closeout, with Duke’s star forward failing to contest Mullins adequately. “They had every chance to seal it, but they imploded,” Hill added, his voice tinged with disappointment.[1]
Duke’s Season in Jeopardy
For Duke, the loss marks a heartbreaking end to a season filled with promise. The Blue Devils entered the tournament as a No. 1 seed, boasting a 30-4 record and led by All-American guard Jaxson Smith. Coach Jon Scheyer, in his fourth year at the helm, praised his team’s resilience but acknowledged the sting of the defeat.
“Credit to UConn—they made the play. We didn’t get the stop,” Scheyer said. Duke’s tournament run now ends prematurely, sparking questions about their championship pedigree under Scheyer.
| Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UConn | 78 | 35 | 14 | 46% |
| Duke | 75 | 38 | 16 | 49% |
UConn’s Cinderella Surge
UConn, seeded fourth in their region, advances to the Elite Eight for the first time since their 2023 national championship run. Coach Dan Hurley lauded Mullins as “the heart of this team,” predicting more big moments ahead. The Huskies now face a daunting matchup against either Alabama or Arizona, but momentum is squarely on their side.
Mullins’ shot has already gone viral, amassing millions of views on social media. Highlights from ESPN’s broadcast capture the sheer drama, with Hill’s call providing the perfect soundtrack.[1]
Legacy of Buzzer-Beaters
Hill’s comparison to Laettner isn’t hyperbole. Laettner’s one-legged, game-winning jumper against Kentucky remains one of the most replayed moments in sports history. Mullins’ banked three joins that elite company, albeit flipping the script on Duke. For Huskies fans, it’s redemption; for Blue Devils supporters, a fresh wound.
As the tournament marches on, all eyes will be on Mullins. Can the freshman deliver another miracle? UConn hopes so, while the basketball world braces for more madness.
This story will be updated as more details emerge.