Houston Stuns Duke With Historic Final Four Comeback to Reach NCAA Championship
In a game that felt like a Duke coronation in progress, Houston flipped the script with an unforgettable comeback. What started as a 14-point deficit with eight minutes left turned into a 70-67 Cougars victory, shocking the Alamodome and sending Houston to its first NCAA championship game since 1984.
Flagg’s Brilliance Overshadowed by Houston’s Heart
Cooper Flagg put on a show for Duke with 27 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, and his corner 3-pointer with just over three minutes left seemed to seal the win. But Houston refused to fold.
As Cougars guard L.J. Cryer said after the game, “It ain’t over because they still got time on the clock.”
Cryer led Houston with 26 points and six threes, including crucial buckets that fueled a 9-0 closing run in the final 35 seconds.
A Collapse for the Ages
Duke held a 67-58 lead with 3:03 remaining but failed to score again from the field. That cold streak opened the door for Houston’s trademark pressure defense. After a technical foul gave Duke a free point, Emanuel Sharp buried a clutch three with 33 seconds left to cut the lead to three.
Then came the moment that changed everything: a steal on an inbounds pass, followed by Joseph Tugler’s putback dunk to bring Houston within one.
With 19.6 seconds left, J’Wan Roberts hit two pressure-packed free throws, giving Houston a 68-67 lead—their first since early in the first half.
Duke Falters When It Matters Most
Duke’s late-game issues, seen in earlier losses to Kentucky and Kansas, showed up again at the worst time. The team struggled against Houston’s tough defense, making turnovers and rushed plays when it mattered most. Even with a chance to take the lead, Duke missed a crucial free throw, giving Houston the momentum they needed.
One Game from Glory
Houston now faces Florida on Monday night for the national title. With their grit, discipline, and refusal to quit, the Cougars are no longer underdogs. They’re one win away from making history.
More…
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/04/06/houston-duke-final-four-comeback
- https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44553495/houston-cougars-rally-duke-blue-devils-final-four
- https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44536240/mens-final-four-2025-predictions-live-tracker-highlights-scores-duke-auburn-florida-houston
