Houston completed a dramatic comeback against Duke to secure their spot in the national championship game against Florida. Cooper Flagg, a potential No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft, missed a potential game-winning shot in the final seconds, allowing the Cougars to escape with a 70-67 victory. Duke led by 12 points in the first half before Houston cut the deficit to six, with neither team finding their offensive groove. The Blue Devils dominated early in the second half, building a 14-point lead, but Houston rallied with a 10-0 run to cut the lead to six with under five minutes to play.
Despite trailing by nine points with just over three minutes remaining, Houston showed resilience and mounted a remarkable comeback in the final moments of the game. Emanuel Sharp’s three-pointer and a putback dunk brought Houston within one point, and crucial free throws from J’Wan Roberts and L.J. Cryer secured the lead for the Cougars. Flagg missed a potential go-ahead shot for Duke, and Houston capitalized by scoring eight points in the final 33 seconds to complete the stunning comeback. The victory marked Houston’s 18th consecutive win, while Duke saw their 15-game winning streak come to an end.
Cooper Flagg, the standout player for Duke, finished with a game-high 27 points but will likely want to forget the missed shot that could have sent his team to the national title game. Former NBA star advised Flagg to consider returning to Duke rather than entering the draft, emphasizing the benefits of another season with the Blue Devils for his development. Houston now prepares to face Florida in the national championship game, with the stage set for an exciting showdown between two top college basketball programs.
The matchup between Houston and Duke was highly anticipated, with both teams boasting impressive winning streaks entering the game. Houston’s victory not only propelled them to the championship game but also showcased their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Despite trailing by significant margins at various points in the game, the Cougars maintained their composure and executed key plays down the stretch to secure the win. Duke’s missed opportunities in the closing moments allowed Houston to capitalize and complete the thrilling comeback.
As the college basketball world prepares for the national championship game between Houston and Florida, the spotlight remains on the Cougars as they aim to secure their first title in school history. With talented players like Cooper Flagg leading the charge, Houston has proven to be a formidable opponent capable of overcoming adversity and rising to the occasion. The upcoming matchup promises to be an intense battle between two top teams, and fans can expect an exciting conclusion to the March Madness tournament. Be sure to follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage for the latest updates on the championship game and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter for exclusive content.
