Houston Stuns Duke in Dramatic Final Four Finish, Advances to National Championship
The college basketball world witnessed a truly unforgettable Final Four matchup on Saturday night as Houston pulled off a dramatic 70-67 victory over Duke, stunning a national title favorite that had appeared firmly in control. What began as a confident Duke performance quickly devolved into a late-game collapse, ultimately sealing Houston’s path to the national championship game against Florida.
A First Half of Dominance for Duke
Duke entered the game as the heavy favorite, led by a generational freshman talent, Cooper Flagg. The Blue Devils established an early lead and extended it throughout the first half, building a 18-point advantage with just over 10 minutes remaining. The Duke offense flowed smoothly, capitalizing on Houston’s defensive lapses and showcasing the immense potential of Flagg, whose shooting prowess was on full display.
The Second Half Collapse
However, the second half belonged entirely to Houston. Duke completely lost its rhythm, scoring only one field goal in the final 10 minutes and 31 seconds of the game. This shift in momentum provided Houston with the opportunity they needed, and they seized it with remarkable intensity.
“They just stopped playing their game,” said a source close to the Duke program, speaking off the record.
Houston mounted a furious comeback, culminating in a decisive 9-0 run in the final 1:14, securing the victory. The Blue Devils simply couldn’t respond, leaving the court in disbelief after a performance that defied all expectations.
Reactions from the NBA and Beyond
Saturday’s game elicited a wide range of reactions from the broader basketball community. Former NBA player and Duke alum, Austin Rivers, voiced strong disapproval following the game, pointing to a questionable foul call on Cooper Flagg that contributed to Houston’s late-game free throw opportunities. “That foul was a game changer,”
Rivers stated on social media. He refused to speak with media after the game.
Beyond Rivers’ comments, numerous other NBA players and former college stars weighed in on the upset, offering congratulations to Houston and expressing astonishment at Duke’s collapse. North Carolina fans, in particular, celebrated the outcome, reveling in the Blue Devils’ defeat.
Key Takeaways
- Houston’s resilience and ability to weather a significant deficit proved decisive.
- Duke’s second-half performance highlighted a critical lapse in execution and composure.
- The game underscored the unpredictable nature of college basketball and the potential for dramatic upsets.
FAQ
- What was the final score? Houston 70, Duke 67
- Who will Houston play in the national championship? Houston will face Florida.
- What was the turning point of the game? Duke’s inability to score in the final 10 minutes of the second half.
Did You Know?
This is only the second time in NCAA Tournament history that a team has won a game after trailing by 18 points or more in the second half.
With this stunning victory, Houston is now set to compete for the national championship. The game against Florida promises to be another thrilling encounter, and fans across the nation will be eagerly awaiting the outcome.
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