SAN ANTONIO — The stage was set for a thrilling showdown as the University of Houston (34-4) faced off against Duke (35-3) in the national semifinals of the Final Four on Saturday night, April 5, 2025. Tension filled the Alamodome as fans from both sides eagerly anticipated the clash of these two powerhouse programs, both of whom have been nearly unstoppable since early February.
The game tipped off at approximately 8:28 p.m. CT, about 40 minutes behind schedule, but the delay did little to dampen the excitement. Houston, donning their alternate black uniforms for the first time since the regular season, aimed to extend their perfect record of 12-0 in those jerseys. Duke, on the other hand, was looking to assert their dominance as they have done throughout the tournament.
As the first half unfolded, both teams struggled to find their rhythm early on. Houston’s offense was sluggish, shooting just 3-for-15 (20 percent) from the field at the start of the game, while Duke managed to find their footing with a 45 percent shooting rate. The Blue Devils quickly capitalized on their opportunities, establishing an early lead.
With 11:51 left in the first half, Duke embarked on an 8-3 run, pushing their lead to 14-8. However, the Cougars responded with a quick 6-0 run, narrowing the gap to just 18-15, prompting Duke to call a timeout with 7:40 remaining in the half. The intensity was palpable, with both teams exchanging blows in a battle for a coveted spot in the national championship game.
Despite their efforts, Houston faced challenges, missing crucial free throws and layups that could have shifted momentum in their favor. The Cougars’ L.J. Cryer, who had been a key player throughout the season, was set to take two free throws when play resumed. However, the missed opportunities would haunt them as Duke extended their lead to 28-17 with 2:36 left in the half, marking their largest lead of the night.
In a highlight moment, Duke’s Cooper Flagg executed a stunning reverse layup while drawing a foul, further solidifying the Blue Devils’ control of the game. At halftime, the score stood at Duke 31, Houston 25, leaving the Cougars with a mountain to climb in the second half.
As the second half commenced, Houston needed to rally and tap into their top-ranked defense to stifle Duke’s high-octane offense, which boasted three projected NBA lottery picks. The stakes were high, with the winner advancing to the national championship game against Florida, who had just secured their spot by defeating Auburn 79-73 earlier in the evening.
Among the notable attendees was Duke alum Ken Jeong, the comedian and actor known for his role in “The Hangover,” who was spotted enjoying the game. Jim Nantz, the legendary voice of March Madness and a proud University of Houston alumnus, also made an appearance, showing his support for the Cougars. “I’m stoked,” Nantz exclaimed as he navigated through the crowd, taking time for photos with fans.
The atmosphere in the Alamodome was electric, with students from both universities filling the stands. Emanuel Garcia, a Houston student, expressed his excitement after securing a front-row seat behind the basket, saying, “This is crazy. Look where we are.” The student sections were packed, and the general admission seating behind the baskets turned into a frenzy as fans rushed to claim the best views of the action.
As the game progressed, it became clear that the Cougars would need to dig deep to overcome the Blue Devils’ advantage. The referees for the night included Keith Kimble, James Breeding, and Doug Shows, all seasoned officials with experience in high-stakes games. Kimble was officiating his seventh Final Four, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the court.
With the clock ticking down, Houston’s defense began to tighten, but Duke’s relentless offense continued to challenge their resolve. The Cougars’ forward Joseph Tugler, who had shown promise early in the game, was sidelined after limping off the court in the opening minutes, raising concerns about his availability for the remainder of the game.
As the second half wore on, Houston found themselves in a position where every possession counted. They needed to capitalize on Duke’s mistakes and convert on their own scoring opportunities to keep their championship hopes alive. The Cougars’ defensive prowess would be put to the ultimate test against a Blue Devils team that had proven time and again they could score in bunches.
As the game neared its conclusion, the tension in the arena was palpable. Fans held their breath with each possession, knowing that one team would emerge victorious while the other’s season would come to an end. The stakes could not be higher, and the players on both sides were aware of the history at play.
With the national championship game looming, the excitement surrounding this matchup was not just about the teams on the court; it was about the legacies being forged and the dreams of players and fans alike. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the final moments of the game drew near.
As the clock ticked down, both teams were determined to leave it all on the floor. Houston’s journey had been remarkable, and they were not ready to let it end without a fight. Duke, with their storied history and a roster filled with talent, was equally unwilling to relinquish their chance at glory.
In the end, as the final buzzer approached, the outcome remained uncertain. The battle for a place in the national championship was fierce, and both teams were ready to give everything they had for a shot at the title.
Stay tuned for updates as this thrilling game unfolds, and witness history in the making at the Final Four.
