Duke

Photos: Duke falls to UConn in East Regional final

By Ethan Hyman and Robert Willett
UConn’s Braylon Mullins (24) takes what will be the winning three-pointer in the final second of UConn’s 73-72 victory over Duke in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026.
UConn’s Braylon Mullins (24) takes what will be the winning three-pointer in the final second of UConn’s 73-72 victory over Duke in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

The top-seeded Duke Blue Devils takes on number two seeded UConn in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament East Regional final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026.

It is an Elite 8 matchup between the Blue Devils and Connecticut, two Blue Bloods, one with six national championships and the other with five.

Duke had a dominant first half and UConn mounted a firece second half rally and went up 73-71 with .3 seconds left in the game.

Keep checking back for more images from the game.

Duke forward Cameron Boozer and coach Jon Scheyer field questions following their 73-72 loss to Connecticut on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Final, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The Blue Devils held a 19 point lead in the first half.
Duke forward Cameron Boozer and coach Jon Scheyer field questions following their 73-72 loss to Connecticut on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Final, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The Blue Devils held a 19 point lead in the first half. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke forward Cameron Boozer and coach Jon Scheyer field questions following their 73-72 loss to Connecticut on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Final, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The Blue Devils held a 19 point lead in the first half.
Duke forward Cameron Boozer and coach Jon Scheyer field questions following their 73-72 loss to Connecticut on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Final, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The Blue Devils held a 19 point lead in the first half. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Cayden Boozer sits in the locker room after UConn’s 73-72 victory over Duke in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Duke’s Cayden Boozer sits in the locker room after UConn’s 73-72 victory over Duke in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Patrick Ngongba II sits in the locker room after UConn’s 73-72 victory over Duke in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Duke’s Patrick Ngongba II sits in the locker room after UConn’s 73-72 victory over Duke in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Cameron Boozer sits in the locker room after UConn’s 73-72 victory over Duke in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Duke’s Cameron Boozer sits in the locker room after UConn’s 73-72 victory over Duke in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Nikolas Khamenia hugs Cameron Boozer in the locker room after UConn’s 73-72 victory over Duke in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Duke’s Nikolas Khamenia hugs Cameron Boozer in the locker room after UConn’s 73-72 victory over Duke in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke guard Cayden Boozer (2) covers his face as he leaves the court with his teammates after falling to Connecticut 73-72 on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C
Duke guard Cayden Boozer (2) covers his face as he leaves the court with his teammates after falling to Connecticut 73-72 on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke guard Cayden Boozer (2) covers his face as he leaves the court with his teammates after falling to Connecticut 73-72 on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C
Duke guard Cayden Boozer (2) covers his face as he leaves the court with his teammates after falling to Connecticut 73-72 on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke coach Jon Scheyer leaves the court after falling to Connecticut 73-72 on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Duke coach Jon Scheyer leaves the court after falling to Connecticut 73-72 on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) leaves the court after falling to Connecticut 73-72 on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship game at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) leaves the court after falling to Connecticut 73-72 on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship game at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Dame Sarr (7) reacts after UConn’s 73-72 victory over Duke in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Duke’s Dame Sarr (7) reacts after UConn’s 73-72 victory over Duke in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Patrick Ngongba II (21) reacts as the final buzzer sounds in UConn’s 73-72 victory over Duke in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Duke’s Patrick Ngongba II (21) reacts as the final buzzer sounds in UConn’s 73-72 victory over Duke in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke guard Nikolas Khamenia (14) leaves the court after falling to Connecticut 73-72 victory on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Duke guard Nikolas Khamenia (14) leaves the court after falling to Connecticut 73-72 victory on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) heads to comfort Dame Sarr (7) after UConn’s 73-72 victory over Duke in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) heads to comfort Dame Sarr (7) after UConn’s 73-72 victory over Duke in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Connecticut guard Malachi Smith (0) embraces teammate Braylon Mullins (24), after Mullins hit the game winning three-point basket to secure the Huskies’ 73-72 victory over Duke on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Connecticut guard Malachi Smith (0) embraces teammate Braylon Mullins (24), after Mullins hit the game winning three-point basket to secure the Huskies’ 73-72 victory over Duke on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Connecticut guard Braylon Mullins (24) launches the game winning three-point basket at the buzzer to defeat the Duke Blue Devils 73-72 on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Connecticut guard Braylon Mullins (24) launches the game winning three-point basket at the buzzer to defeat the Duke Blue Devils 73-72 on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
UConn’s Braylon Mullins (24) takes what will be the winning three-pointer in the final second of UConn’s 73-72 victory over Duke in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026.
UConn’s Braylon Mullins (24) takes what will be the winning three-pointer in the final second of UConn’s 73-72 victory over Duke in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
UConn’s Braylon Mullins (24) celebrates making a three-pointer in the final second of UConn’s 73-72 victory over Duke in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026.
UConn’s Braylon Mullins (24) celebrates making a three-pointer in the final second of UConn’s 73-72 victory over Duke in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
The Duke bench reacts after Braylon Mullins made a three-pointer with a second left during UConn’s 73-72 victory over Duke in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026.
The Duke bench reacts after Braylon Mullins made a three-pointer with a second left during UConn’s 73-72 victory over Duke in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Connecticut guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) reacts along with guard Braylon Mullins (24), after Mullins’ game winning three-point basket at the buzzer to defeat Duke 73-72 on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Connecticut guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) reacts along with guard Braylon Mullins (24), after Mullins’ game winning three-point basket at the buzzer to defeat Duke 73-72 on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer can’t believe the call by the officials during the second half of UConn’s 73-72 victory over Duke in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer can’t believe the call by the officials during the second half of UConn’s 73-72 victory over Duke in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke coach Jon Scheyer watches as Connecticut cuts the Blue Devils’ lead to four points with two minutes to play on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Final, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The Blue Devils held a 19 point lead in the first half.
Duke coach Jon Scheyer watches as Connecticut cuts the Blue Devils’ lead to four points with two minutes to play on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Final, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The Blue Devils held a 19 point lead in the first half. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Connecticut forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) makes a steal from Duke center Patrick Ngongba II (21) in the second half on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Connecticut forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) makes a steal from Duke center Patrick Ngongba II (21) in the second half on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Connecticut coach Danny Hurley reacts after cutting the Duke lead to two points in the second half on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Connecticut coach Danny Hurley reacts after cutting the Duke lead to two points in the second half on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Connecticut guard Malachi Smith (0) breaks to the basket against Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) in the second half on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Connecticut guard Malachi Smith (0) breaks to the basket against Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) in the second half on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
A Duke fan watches during the second half of UConn’s 73-72 victory over Duke in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026.
A Duke fan watches during the second half of UConn’s 73-72 victory over Duke in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Connecticut forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) cuts the Duke lead to seven points with a dunk in the second half on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Connecticut forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) cuts the Duke lead to seven points with a dunk in the second half on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Connecticut forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) draws a foul from Duke center Patrick Ngongba II (21) in the second half on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Connecticut forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) draws a foul from Duke center Patrick Ngongba II (21) in the second half on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Connecticut guard Braylon Mullins (24) breaks to the basket against Duke forward Isaiah Evans (3) in the second half on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington,
Connecticut guard Braylon Mullins (24) breaks to the basket against Duke forward Isaiah Evans (3) in the second half on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Connecticut guard Braylon Mullins (24) breaks to the basket against Duke forward Isaiah Evans (3) in the second half on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington,
Connecticut guard Braylon Mullins (24) breaks to the basket against Duke forward Isaiah Evans (3) in the second half on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) falls to the court after taking a hit in the face from Connecticut center Eric Reibe (12) in the first half on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Final, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C
Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) falls to the court after taking a hit in the face from Connecticut center Eric Reibe (12) in the first half on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Final, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Connecticut center Eric Reibe (12) defends Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) in the first half on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Connecticut center Eric Reibe (12) defends Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) in the first half on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) gets hit in the face by Connecticut center Eric Reibe (12) in the first half on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Final, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) gets hit in the face by Connecticut center Eric Reibe (12) in the first half on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Final, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Patrick Ngongba II (21) and UConn's Tarris Reed Jr. (5) go for a rebound during the first half of Duke’s game against Connecticut in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Duke’s Patrick Ngongba II (21) and UConn's Tarris Reed Jr. (5) go for a rebound during the first half of Duke’s game against Connecticut in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Nikolas Khamenia (14) is defended by UConn's Silas Demary Jr. (2) and Braylon Mullins (24) during the first half of Duke’s game against Connecticut in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Duke’s Nikolas Khamenia (14) is defended by UConn's Silas Demary Jr. (2) and Braylon Mullins (24) during the first half of Duke’s game against Connecticut in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Caleb Foster (1) works around UConn's Malachi Smith (0) during the first half of Duke’s game against Connecticut in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Duke’s Caleb Foster (1) works around UConn's Malachi Smith (0) during the first half of Duke’s game against Connecticut in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Connecticut coach Danny Hurley argues a call with the official in the first half against Duke on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Connecticut coach Danny Hurley argues a call with the official in the first half against Duke on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
UConn's Tarris Reed Jr. (5) works against Duke’s Maliq Brown (6) during the first half of Duke’s game against Connecticut in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026.
UConn's Tarris Reed Jr. (5) works against Duke’s Maliq Brown (6) during the first half of Duke’s game against Connecticut in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Connecticut forwards Jaylin Stewart (3) and Tarris Reed Jr. (5) defend Duke guard Cayden Boozer (2) in the first half on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Connecticut forwards Jaylin Stewart (3) and Tarris Reed Jr. (5) defend Duke guard Cayden Boozer (2) in the first half on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Nikolas Khamenia (14) and Dame Sarr (7) celebrate with Cameron Boozer (12) in the first half of Duke’s game against Connecticut in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Duke’s Nikolas Khamenia (14) and Dame Sarr (7) celebrate with Cameron Boozer (12) in the first half of Duke’s game against Connecticut in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Connecticut coach Danny Hurley directs his team on defense in the first half against Duke on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Connecticut coach Danny Hurley directs his team on defense in the first half against Duke on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) works against UConn's Tarris Reed Jr. (5) during the first half of Duke’s game against Connecticut in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) works against UConn's Tarris Reed Jr. (5) during the first half of Duke’s game against Connecticut in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke forward Maliq Brown (6) defends Connecticut guard Malachi Smith (0) in the first half on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Duke forward Maliq Brown (6) defends Connecticut guard Malachi Smith (0) in the first half on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) is defended by UConn's Malachi Smith (0) during the first half of Duke’s game against Connecticut in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) is defended by UConn's Malachi Smith (0) during the first half of Duke’s game against Connecticut in the NCAA Men’s Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday, March 29, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Connecticut coach Danny Hurley greets Duke coach Jon Scheyer prior to their game on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Connecticut coach Danny Hurley greets Duke coach Jon Scheyer prior to their game on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Bill Murray applauds the Connecticut Huskies as they take the court for their game against Duke on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Bill Murray applauds the Connecticut Huskies as they take the court for their game against Duke on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the NCAA East Regional Championship, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

This story was originally published March 29, 2026 at 6:25 PM with the headline "Photos: Duke falls to UConn in East Regional final."

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