Houston Completes Stunning Comeback to Defeat Duke in Final Four

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — In a thrilling NCAA Final Four matchup, the Houston Cougars staged an extraordinary comeback to defeat the Duke Blue Devils 70-67 on Saturday night, denying Duke a chance at another national championship.

With less than nine minutes left in the game, Houston trailed by 14 points. However, a relentless defense, led by Joseph Tugler’s four blocks, and a key 9-0 run in the final 33 seconds turned the tide, sealing Houston’s first trip to the national championship since 1984. The victory propels the Cougars into a title game against the Florida Gators.

“We just had to keep that belief and keep the faith,” said Tugler, who scored 10 points and was instrumental defensively. The recent Baylor champion, who contributed significantly throughout the game, also led his team with an impressive defensive performance. “Defense wins championships, and we showed that tonight,” he added.

Despite a strong showing from Duke’s Cooper Flagg, who scored 27 points, Duke’s offense faltered in the critical closing moments of the game. After leading 67-61 with just over a minute left, Duke failed to score again, relying instead on free throws that fell short under pressure.

Houston’s decisive run began with a three-pointer from Emanuel Sharp, cutting the Blue Devil lead to three with just under half a minute remaining. Following a subsequent turnover by Duke, Tugler made a critical putback dunk, bringing the score to 67-66.

Duke’s Tyrese Proctor, who had a chance to extend his team’s lead, missed the front end of a crucial one-and-one free throw, allowing the Cougars to take the lead. J'wan Roberts made two free throws with only 19.6 seconds left, putting Houston ahead 68-67 for the first time since the early moments of the game.

The atmosphere in the Alamodome shifted dramatically as the Blue Devils, once in firm control, struggled to answer. With the clock winding down, Flagg’s potential go-ahead shot missed, resulting in a desperation heave from Duke as the buzzer sounded, leaving them to walk off the court in disbelief.

“It’s heartbreaking, it’s incredibly disappointing,” said Duke coach Jon Scheyer after the game. “There’s a lot of pain that comes with this.”

The loss marks a historic moment for the Cougars, who had not reached the Final Four in four decades. Coach Kelvin Sampson praised his team for their tenacity. “We held that team to 67 points,” he said, reflecting on the defensive strategy that frustrated Duke’s prolific offense.

The Cougars have allowed the fewest points in the NCAA this season, proving that their defensive prowess can make a significant difference in high-pressure situations. The game’s climax showcased Houston’s resolve, as they ended the game with an impressive nine-point run, solidifying their path to the championship.

Houston will now face Florida in the national championship on Monday. “We’ve got work to do,” Tugler stated, acknowledging the need for continued focus as they pursue their first-ever national title.