UConn’s Mullins Leads No. 2 Seed Past Georgetown to Big East Final

BREAKING: The No. 2 seed UConn Huskies defeated No. 11 seed Georgetown 67-51 in the Big East Tournament Semifinals, with Braylon Mullins scoring a critical 21 points to propel his team to the championship game. This victory secures UConn’s place in the finals at Madison Square Garden on March 12, 2024.

Mullins, despite struggling from beyond the arc earlier in the tournament, showcased resilience and versatility. After hitting only 3 of his last 20 three-point attempts, he adapted his game, scoring effectively with pull-up mid-range shots and aggressive drives to the basket. “Coach was on us — he didn’t want a lot of 17-foot mid-range shots,” Mullins explained. His performance was crucial as UConn battled through a tough shooting night, particularly from three-point range.

The Huskies faced challenges early, struggling with a 2-for-12 start from three-point range. However, Mullins’ dynamic play kept the offense steady as he tallied points in various ways, including drawing fouls and converting free throws, which were a rarity until late in the game. UConn didn’t attempt a free throw until 6:20 remaining in the second half, showcasing the intensity of the matchup.

This win marks UConn’s return to the Big East Championship for the 12th time in program history and the second under Head Coach Dan Hurley. The Huskies have an impressive 8-3 record in Big East Tournament Championship games, positioning them as strong contenders for the title.

In the first half, UConn’s center Tarris Reed Jr. made an impact with four points, five rebounds, and five assists before foul troubles limited his play. Teammate Silas Demary Jr. stepped up, grabbing a team-high nine rebounds and contributing significantly to the team’s defensive efforts.

UConn adjusted their strategy in the second half, improving their three-point shooting to 5-for-10, increasing their overall percentage to 32%. The bench also played a vital role, contributing 20 points after a strong showing in their previous game. This depth has been noteworthy, especially given their ranking as No. 279 in points scored per game prior to the tournament.

Next up, UConn faces the defending champions, St. John’s, in the championship game. The last encounter ended with UConn winning by 32 points in February. “I feel like it’s kind of like their home court, so expect them to come out to play hard,” Coach Hurley said. Fans are eagerly anticipating the showdown, with tip-off scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Fox.

This tournament has proven pivotal for UConn, showcasing not only the skill of players like Mullins but also their resilience and determination to capture another championship title. As the excitement builds, fans are ready to rally behind their team in this critical matchup.