In the last Final Four matchup of the weekend, we had ourselves another game to remember. Between top-seeded Houston Cougars and Duke Blue Devils, this game came down to its final moments and certainly did not disappoint. It would end with Houston staging a last-minute comeback to defeat the Duke Blue Devils 70-67, securing their place in the 2025 National Championship Game.
Duke entered the contest as the favorites, led by standout freshman Cooper Flagg. The Blue Devils established early control of the game but could not completely fend off Houston’s relentless defense. As the game progressed that fact would prove to ultimately be what caused the Blue Devils downfall.
Early Dominance By Duke
The Blue Devils asserted control in the first half, capitalizing on Houston’s shooting struggles to open the game. Duke’s offense, orchestrated by Tyrese Proctor and complemented by Flagg’s scoring prowess, was the one-two punch that gave them a significant lead early. Houston’s attempts to close the gap were quickly thwarted by disciplined defense and effective ball movement.
Despite Duke’s dominance, the Cougars remained within striking distance. LJ Cryer remained the team’s leading offensive threat, keeping Houston within reach with timely baskets. As the first half concluded, Duke held a comfortable advantage, but Houston made sure to keep the game within reach for the second half.
Houston’s Resilient Response
The second half witnessed a revitalized Houston team gradually chipping away at the lead. The Cougars intensified their defensive pressure, forcing turnovers and disrupting Duke’s offensive rhythm. Emanuel Sharp’s three-pointer with just over 30 seconds remaining brought Houston within striking distance of taking the lead back.
That followed a crucial steal on the ensuing inbounds play, and Joseph Tugler’s tip-in further narrowed the deficit. Missed free throws in the waning moments allowed Houston to finally seize the lead. J’Wan Roberts capitalized on this moment sinking two clutch free throws, giving the Cougars their first lead since early in the game.
Clutch Performances Seal the Victory
In the final seconds, Duke still had a chance to reclaim the lead, but Flagg’s contested shot fell short. Houston’s defense both managed to stop Duke’s best play and secured the rebound. This led to subsequent free throws by Cryer extending their lead. Duke’s last-second heave was off the mark, and the Cougars comeback was complete.
Cryer led Houston with 26 points, showcasing his offensive versatility and composure under pressure in the final seconds. Sharp followed up with an additional 16 points, including pivotal baskets during the late-game run. For Duke, Flagg’s 27 points and seven rebounds led the way for the Blue Devils, but their offensive struggles against Houston’s relentless pressure in the closing minutes proved costly.
Final Thoughts
This victory for Houston showcased the epitome of its team’s identity which is built upon Houston’s resilience and an ability to perform under pressure. The Cougars overcame a significant deficit against a team that arguably had the best player in college baseball this year. Houston turns the page to face Florida in the National Championship Game hoping to carry over this momentum and secure their first-ever NCAA Tournament Championship.
For Duke, although there are never any moral victories, this loss can serve as a learning experience for their young roster. Despite the disappointment, the Blue Devils were among the top teams in college basketball all year and showcased their dominance until the very end. With their talented core now having valuable tournament experience, Duke’s future remains as promising as ever as they now look ahead to the next season.
