In a thrilling showdown at the Alamodome in San Antonio, the Houston Cougars stunned the Duke Blue Devils, edging them out 68-67 to advance to the NCAA men’s basketball national championship game. This Final Four clash, held on April 5, 2025, saw both teams showcasing their elite skills, but it was Houston's resilience that ultimately sealed the victory.
Houston entered the game with a formidable reputation, boasting the nation’s top-rated defense and riding a 17-game winning streak. Duke, on the other hand, was heavily favored, having been the most picked team to win it all in the March Madness Men's Bracket Challenge, with a 30.97% selection rate. The Blue Devils, led by freshman sensation Cooper Flagg, were aiming for their sixth national title, while Houston sought its first championship under head coach Kelvin Sampson.
The game began with both teams struggling to find their rhythm, combining for a mere 4 points in the first four minutes. Houston's LJ Cryer managed to put the Cougars on the board first with a three-pointer, giving them an early 4-2 lead. However, Duke quickly responded, embarking on a 9-2 run that put them ahead 14-8 with just under 12 minutes left in the half. Flagg, showcasing his athleticism, electrified the crowd with a two-handed slam during this run.
Despite falling behind, Houston fought back, going on a 6-0 run to narrow Duke's lead to 18-15. The Blue Devils, however, managed to extend their advantage to 12 points late in the half, leading 34-28 at the break. Flagg and Kon Knueppel were instrumental in this effort, scoring 8 and 12 points respectively by halftime.
As the second half commenced, both teams found their offensive groove. Duke initially surged ahead, extending their lead to 59-48 with just under eight minutes remaining. However, Houston was not to be underestimated. The Cougars launched a fierce comeback, going on a 10-0 run that brought them within four points at 59-55. Cryer was pivotal during this stretch, scoring six points to ignite Houston’s offense.
With just over two minutes left in the game, Duke appeared to have regained control, leading 64-55 after Flagg hit a crucial corner three-pointer, ending a seven-minute scoring drought for the Blue Devils. But Houston’s tenacity shone through as they rallied once more. Emanuel Sharp, who had been quiet for much of the game, scored a pivotal three-pointer, cutting Duke's lead to just one possession with 32 seconds remaining.
In a nail-biting finish, Houston found themselves trailing by just one point with 17.2 seconds left after a series of free throws and missed opportunities by Duke, including a contested jumper from Flagg that fell short. With seconds winding down, Houston managed to score seven points in a mere 16 seconds, marking an incredible turnaround in the final moments of the game. J'Wan Roberts sealed the deal with two free throws after Duke's Tyrese Proctor missed the front end of a one-and-one opportunity.
Houston's victory was not just a testament to their skill but also to their indomitable spirit. Flagg, who had been the standout player for Duke throughout the tournament, finished the game with 22 points, while Knueppel added 16 points. Despite the loss, the Blue Devils demonstrated why they were considered a top contender this season.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Alamodome erupted in cheers for the Cougars, who now advance to the national championship game against the winner of the Florida vs. Auburn matchup, set to take place on April 7, 2025. Houston’s victory marked a significant milestone in their program's history, as they now stand on the brink of capturing their first national title.
The stage is set for an electrifying championship game, with Houston looking to continue their remarkable journey and Duke reflecting on what could have been. The excitement of March Madness is far from over, and fans are eagerly anticipating the final showdown.
