Houston on Saturday snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Duke to punch its ticket to the 2025 NCAA men’s basketball National Championship Game.
The Blue Devils led the Cougars for almost the entire second half of their Final Four matchup at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Despite trailing by as many as 14 points in the second half, Houston simply would not give up.
A pair of Cooper Flagg free throws gave Duke a 66-59 lead with 1:26 left. Cougars junior Emanuel Sharp hit a huge three with 33 seconds left to cut the deficit to 67-64. Then a stunning inbound turnover committed by Duke led to a Joseph Tugler dunk, further trimming the lead down to one.
Clutch defense, incredible finish 🤯
— Naismith Awards (@NaismithTrophy) April 6, 2025
Joseph Tugler, our Finalist for Naismith Men's College DPOY presented by @moleculesleep, makes the game-changing play for @UHCougarMBK! 🔥#MOLECULENaismith2025 | #MOLECULEsleep (🎥: CBS) pic.twitter.com/5cAG5jc8Gz
The Cougars outscored the Blue Devils 11-1 over the final 74 seconds to pull off the 70-67 comeback. Flagg missed a potential game-winning jumper with eight seconds left, which allowed Houston to close the game out at the free throw line.
Cooper Flagg missed the chance to win it for Duke 😳
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 6, 2025
2.5 seconds remaining.pic.twitter.com/x5P8i0EZKi
LJ Cryer led Houston with 26 points on six triples to keep his team afloat throughout the contest. Cryer also made the final two free throws to ice the game in the closing seconds.
Houston takes on Florida for the national championship on Monday.
