The UConn men's basketball team has a storied rivalry with the Duke Blue Devils, featuring a competitive history that spans over six decades. The two programs have faced off in some of the most memorable matchups in NCAA Tournament history, showcasing numerous legendary players. Recently, UConn took a moment to reflect on their dramatic victory over Duke in the 2026 Elite Eight as they unveiled their nonconference schedule for the upcoming season.
In a thrilling game that will be remembered for years, UConn's Braylon Mullins made a stunning 35-foot buzzer-beater, overcoming a daunting 19-point deficit in the first half. This unforgettable moment not only secured UConn's place in the Final Four but also left a lasting mark on the rivalry, as they triumphed over Duke in a heart-stopping finish.
On Thursday, UConn officially released its 2026-27 nonconference schedule, which included a playful nod to their recent success against Duke. The Huskies highlighted their all-time record against the Blue Devils, along with the result of their most recent encounter. In a clever twist, they quoted the iconic play-by-play call from Ian Eagle during the Elite Eight game, capturing the excitement of Mullins's last-second shot. The quote read: "Get it in to Boozer, back for Sarr, ahead, Boozer, that ball deflected! And stolen by Mullins! Karaban, two seconds, Mullins, tosses it up…OOHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
This playful jab at Duke garnered significant attention from national sports media, including ESPN, as fans and analysts alike appreciated UConn's lighthearted approach. The Huskies' schedule features several high-profile opponents, as head coach Dan Hurley has strategically arranged challenging matchups against teams like Michigan, Ohio State, Kansas, Virginia, Arizona, and Illinois. This tough slate is intended to prepare UConn for the rigors of the NCAA Tournament.
As a result of Mullins's clutch performance, UConn now holds a narrow 6-5 edge in their all-time series against Duke, with six of the eleven meetings occurring during the NCAA Tournament. The rivalry began in 1964 during the East Regional Final, where Duke dominated UConn with a resounding 101-54 victory. Since then, the two teams have faced off in various critical moments, including UConn's narrow 79-78 victory in the 2004 Final Four, further adding to the history between these two powerhouse programs.
Looking ahead, UConn and Duke are set to clash once again on November 25, the day before Thanksgiving, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This highly anticipated game will be available for streaming on Amazon Prime, although the exact tipoff time has yet to be announced. As both teams prepare for the upcoming season, fans can expect another thrilling chapter in this storied rivalry.
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