Last night, on April 5, 2025, college basketball fans witnessed one of the most thrilling games of the NCAA Tournament as the Houston Cougars staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the Duke Blue Devils 70-67 in the Final Four at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. If you’re searching for answers like “did Duke win last night,” “who won the Duke game last night,” or “Duke highlights,” you’re in the right place.
What Happened in the Duke vs. Houston Game?
The matchup between No. 1 seed Duke and No. 1 seed Houston was billed as a clash of titans, with Duke riding a 15-game winning streak and Houston boasting the nation’s top defense, allowing just 58.3 points per game on average. The game tipped off at 8:49 p.m. ET, and from the start, it was clear this would be a nail-biter.
Duke jumped out to an early lead, going up 14-8 in the first half and holding a 34-28 advantage at halftime. Freshman star Cooper Flagg was the engine for Duke, finishing with an impressive 27 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals, and three blocks. However, Houston’s resilience and late-game surge turned the tide.
Houston’s Incredible Comeback
With 8:17 left in the game, Duke led 64-50, seemingly in control. But Houston, led by LJ Cryer (26 points) and Emanuel Sharp (16 points), refused to back down. The Cougars mounted a staggering 15-3 run in the final minutes, outscoring Duke during a critical stretch that included intense defense and clutch scoring.
The turning point came in the last 1:14, when Houston went on an 11-1 run to erase a nine-point deficit. J’Wan Roberts sealed the deal with game-winning free throws with 19.6 seconds left, finishing with 11 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double. Duke’s final shot, a midrange jumper by Flagg followed by a desperation heave from Tyrese Proctor, fell short, ending the game at 70-67 in Houston’s favor.
Key Stats and Standout Performances
Here’s a quick look at the numbers that defined the game:
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Other Notable Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper Flagg | Duke | 27 | 7 | 4 | 2 steals, 3 blocks |
| LJ Cryer | Houston | 26 | - | - | Led scoring in comeback |
| Emanuel Sharp | Houston | 16 | - | - | Key contributor in run |
| J’Wan Roberts | Houston | 11 | 12 | - | Double-double, game-winning FTs |
Team stats showed Houston’s edge in rebounds (42-31) and three-point shooting (45.5% vs. Duke’s 41.2%), while Duke struggled with turnovers in the final minutes.
The Controversial Foul Call That Sparked Debate
One moment that has fans buzzing is a late-game loose ball foul call on Cooper Flagg. With Houston trailing and the game on the line, the call allowed Houston to regain possession and eventually take the lead. Social media and sports forums are alight with reactions, with some calling it “a game-changer” and others questioning the officiating.
Comments like “Horrible call on the over the back on Flagg. Changed the outcome” and “Those officials should not work another game” are trending, making this a hot topic for discussion. Was it a fair call, or did it cost Duke the game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
What This Means for Duke and Houston
For Houston, the victory is a historic milestone, marking their first national championship game appearance since 1984. They’ll face Florida on Monday, April 7, 2025, with a chance to claim their first-ever NCAA title. Coach Kelvin Sampson praised his team’s never-say-die attitude, saying, “This is a special group. They never gave up.”
Duke, meanwhile, ends their season with a strong tournament run but falls short of their first national championship since 2015. Coach Jon Scheyer remains optimistic, noting, “We fought hard all season, and I’m proud of this team’s effort. We’ll be back.”
Why This Game Matters – And Why You Should Care
This game isn’t just about who won or lost; it’s a story of resilience, controversy, and the unpredictability of March Madness. If you’re a college basketball fan or just curious about “Duke collapse” or “Duke highlights,” this matchup delivered drama, star performances, and a finish that will be talked about for years.
Engage With Us!
What did you think of the game? Was the foul call on Flagg justified, or did Duke deserve to win? Share your Duke highlights, favorite moments, or predictions for Houston’s championship game in the comments. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more sports updates, and share this post to spread the excitement!
Final Score and Next Steps
Final Score: Houston 70, Duke 67. Houston advances to face Florida in the national championship, while Duke heads into the off-season with lessons learned and a bright future ahead.
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