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What started as a dominant performance for Duke in the Final Four turned into one of the most heartbreaking collapses in recent tournament memory. The Blue Devils held a 14-point lead with just over eight minutes to play and seemed to have full control against Houston. But the game unraveled in stunning fashion, leaving Duke eliminated and Cooper Flagg at the center of it all.
Flagg, the freshman phenom and national player of the year, missed a contested shot that could have given Duke the lead in the closing seconds. Seconds later, he was whistled for a controversial over-the-back foul that handed Houston the game-winning free throws. From there, the Cougars sealed a 70-67 comeback victory, scoring the final nine points of the game and shocking fans in San Antonio.
A final shot, a crushing miss
With less than 20 seconds to go, Duke had one final opportunity to take back the lead. Flagg, known for his clutch play and poise under pressure, found himself one-on-one in the lane. But J'Wan Roberts smothered the attempt, forcing Flagg into a tough fadeaway that clanked off the front of the rim. Moments later, Roberts drew the foul on Flagg under the basket, stepping to the line and calmly sinking both free throws.
Duke's last possession-a full-court heave with no timeouts-ended in chaos, with Tyrese Proctor's desperate three-point attempt falling short as the buzzer sounded.
Flagg takes the blame as emotions run high
As the Cougars bench stormed the court in celebration, Flagg walked slowly toward the tunnel, his head down. The 6-foot-9 freshman, who had carried Duke all season, looked devastated as his teammates followed behind, many visibly shaken. Big man Khaman Maluach was seen in tears, while guard Sion James collapsed in frustration before picking himself up to avoid the oncoming celebration.
The loss marks a dramatic end to what many expected to be a championship run for the Blue Devils, who had found their rhythm at just the right time in March.
Controversy won't overshadow Flagg's season - or will it?
Though the foul call and missed shot will dominate headlines, Flagg's season remains one of the most impressive for a freshman in recent NCAA history. Still, with Duke's title hopes dashed, this moment will be tough to shake-for Flagg, and for Duke fans everywhere.