Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Postgame Handshake Between UConn’s Dan Hurley, Duke Star Draws Attention

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Will Chesanek | Last updated Mar 30, 2026 3:12 PM ET

Dan Hurley and the No. 2 seed Connecticut Huskies survived Cameron Boozer and the No. 1 overall seed Duke Blue Devils 73-72 in the Elite 8 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. UConn was led by center Tarris Reed Jr in the game, with the senior having team highs with 26 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Duke guard Isaiah Evans, who averaged 15.0 points per game on the season, was held to just seven points.

Connecticut guard Braylon Mullins was the star of the night, with the unsung hero hitting one of the biggest shots in March Madness history. Before being able to cross halfcourt, UConn guards Silas Demary Jr and Mullins deflected an errant pass from Blue Devil guard Cayden Boozer. Mullins corralled the ball, dishing it to senior forward Alex Karaban. As Karaban draws attention from nearby Duke defenders, he swings the ball back to Mullins, hitting the iconic shot over Evans with 0.3 seconds left on the clock.

UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley speaks to an official during an Elite Eight NCAA Tournament game against the Duke Blue Devils in Washington on March 29, 2026.Amber Searls-Imagn Images

This is coach Hurley's third Final Four, with the prior two appearances coming in his back-to-back championship-winning seasons of 2023 and 2024. The Huskies will face Keaton Wagler and the No. 2 Illinois Fighting Illini on April 4th for a chance to make it to the National Championship Game. On the other side of the bracket, Brayden Burries and the Arizona Wildcats will face Yaxel Lendeborg and the Michigan Wolverines in a battle between No. 1 seeds.

Following the dramatic win, Hurley composes himself and focuses on the post-game handshake. The video below shows Hurley shaking hands with Evans. The college basketball world took notice of the UConn coach's interaction with Evans, taking to social media to leave their thoughts.

"Dan Hurley was stoic after beating Duke," one user said.

Dan Hurley was stoic after beating Duke.

‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/qZe9kwp6TO
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) March 29, 2026

"Dan Hurley started (expletive) walking to the handshake line," added another.

"You got to after that ending haha," another user added.

"Internet material is pristine this morning but this one might take the prize," a user posted.

"," a user reacted.

"i love u," a passionate user posted.

UConn has made the most of its previous Final Four appearances, going 6-1 in the national semifinals, including a perfect 6-0 record in National Title games.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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