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Duke’s 19-Point Collapse to UConn Fuels New Questions for Jon Scheyer

The latest late-game fade deepens concern about Duke’s poise and adjustments under pressure.

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Head coach Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during the first half of a game against the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer speaks with the media during a press conference ahead of the east regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer watches down court Thursday, March 19, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament first round game against the Siena Saints at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.

Overview

  • UConn beat Duke in the Elite Eight on a 35-foot buzzer-beater by freshman Braylon Mullins after a deflected inbounds pass set up the final shot.
  • Duke led by 19 and still held a two-possession edge in the final minute before missed free throws and the turnover left the door open.
  • The defeat continues a pattern under Jon Scheyer, with double-digit NCAA Tournament leads also lost to NC State in 2024 and Houston in 2025.
  • UConn forward Alex Karaban said Duke looked tight in a late huddle, and coverage highlighted stalled adjustments as the Huskies freed shooters and ramped up pressure on the perimeter.
  • ESPN analyst and Duke great Jay Williams defended Scheyer, citing his 124-25 record, three straight Elite Eight trips, and top-ranked recruiting classes despite the painful exits.