Mullins’ Miracle Shot Sends UConn to Final Four!

Mullins’ Miracle Shot Sends UConn to Final Four!

Brayden Mullins became a hero overnight. He hit a stunning game-winning shot to send UConn to the Final Four. The freshman was 0-for-4 from the field before that moment. But when his team needed him most, he delivered. The shot punched UConn’s ticket to Indianapolis. It was a moment Mullins will never forget.

“As it was coming out, you knew it was going in,” Mullins said on The Pat McAfee Show. He explained that even though he hadn’t been shooting well, he had to take the shot. With only two seconds left, he knew he had to put the ball up. It felt good coming off his hand, and he was shocked it was that specific shot that went in. “I’m still full of emotions. It’s still crazy to process it,” he added.

Rallying from a Big Deficit

The Huskies were down by 19 points in the game and trailed by 15 at halftime. Coach Dan Hurley’s message to the team was simple: stay positive and keep confidence high. They focused on chipping away at the lead, getting it to single digits with about 10-12 minutes left in the second half. “We knew we worked too hard for it,” Mullins said. The team felt called back into the game.

Coach Hurley’s messaging was to keep the positivity with the group and just keep the confidence high.

Mullins also touched on the unique basketball culture in Indiana. He joked that every Caucasian person in Indiana seems to have a good jump shot. “It does feel like the state creates hoopers,” he remarked. He sees himself as a potential legend coming out of that basketball-rich state.

The Final Play Breakdown

Coach Hurley is known for his intense coaching style. Mullins described it as being pushed to his max every day. He knew he would get yelled at but trusted that it would make him better. “He’s my role model. He’s the guy I look up to. He holds the standard,” Mullins stated. He wouldn’t want to play for anyone else.

Regarding the final play, Mullins explained their strategy was to foul the worst free-throw shooter. They tried to foul a specific player, but the opponent turned the ball over. Mullins then tried to get the ball to another teammate who had just hit a shot. That teammate passed it back to Mullins. With four seconds left, Mullins knew he had to take the shot. “I’m not going to go out with no shot,” he said. That’s when the miracle happened.

Celebrations and Looking Ahead

After the game, the locker room was full of celebration. Mullins confirmed that Coach Hurley is used to the water-dump celebrations. He’d never seen the coach come in with just a towel before, calling him “one of a kind.” The team was elated by the win.

Mullins also shared a moment with his family. He spoke with his dad, who was at the game, for about 15-20 minutes after. His dad is back at work in Indiana. The whole family is excited about the Final Four. He expects a lot of cousins to show up now that he’s in the spotlight.

The Final Four will be in Indianapolis, which is Mullins’ home state. He’s familiar with Lucas Oil Stadium, having watched football games there. He’s excited to play in front of his hometown crowd. However, the team’s immediate focus is on their next opponent, Illinois.

Coach K even chimed in, congratulating Mullins on the incredible moment and praising his teammate Cariban for having the confidence to make the historical pass. Mullins appreciated the shout-out from the legendary coach.

Mullins’ clutch performance is a story of resilience. He proved that even on a bad shooting night, confidence and preparation can lead to unforgettable moments. UConn is now one step closer to a national championship, thanks to their freshman hero.

Source: UConn's Braylon Mullins Breaks Down His Miraculous Game Winner | Pat McAfee Show (YouTube)