- Duke vs. Houston Final Four Semifinal: Final score, highlights and best moments from epic game
- Cooper Flagg has a twin brother and you've probably never heard of him until now
Duke's journey to the NCAA National Championship game ended in heartbreak on Saturday, as the Blue Devils suffered a stunning 70-67 defeat at the hands of the Houston Cougars. For much of the game, Duke appeared in control, buoyed by a dominant performance from freshman phenom Cooper Flagg. However, Houston orchestrated a dramatic late-game surge that will go down as one of the most remarkable comebacks in tournament history.
With 8:17 remaining, Duke held a commanding 59-45 lead, looking poised to secure a spot in Monday's championship game. Flagg, the presumptive top pick in the NBA Draft, was leading the charge with a dazzling display of skill on both ends of the court. He finished with 27 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and two steals, including 19 points scored in the second half.
Yet Houston refused to surrender. The Cougars ignited a 10-0 run to cut Duke's lead to four points before launching a 15-3 game-ending flurry. Key moments defined the final minutes: Emmanuel Sharp drilled a crucial three-pointer to narrow the gap to three points, and Joseph Tugler capitalized on a turnover with a powerful dunk to bring Houston within one. J'Wan Roberts then converted two clutch free throws, giving Houston a 68-67 lead with just 19.6 seconds remaining.
Many blame the future top pick
Flagg, who had been the centerpiece of Duke's offense, had an opportunity to reclaim the lead for his team, but his jumper fell short in the waning seconds. Houston's Mylik Wilson secured the rebound, forcing Duke to foul L.J. Cryer, who iced the game with two free throws in the closing seconds.
For Duke, the defeat marked a shocking collapse. With their championship hopes dashed, the Blue Devils will reflect on costly mistakes down the stretch, including missed free throws, turnovers, and critical fouls. The loss also signals the likely end of Flagg's college career, as the freshman is widely expected to declare for the NBA Draft.
Houston's victory propels the Cougars to their first NCAA title game appearance since ing the Big 12. They will face Florida in Monday's championship, aiming to secure the program's first national title after six previous Final Four appearances.
The matchup sets the stage for an electrifying conclusion to the college basketball season, but Houston's improbable comeback against Duke will remain one of the defining moments of this year's tournament.