In a thrilling and rollercoaster Final Four matchup on Saturday night, the Houston Cougars pulled off a shocking upset against the Duke Blue Devils, winning 70-67 in a dramatic finish that captivated fans at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The game was marked by a remarkable comeback from Houston, showcasing their resilience and tenacity, attributes deeply embedded in their basketball culture.

As the clock wound down with just over eight minutes left in the second half, Duke seemed to be in control, leading by as much as 14 points after Tyrese Proctor sank a free throw. The Blue Devils, buoyed by a stellar performance from their star player Cooper Flagg, appeared poised to continue their path towards a national championship. Flagg, who has garnered significant attention as a potential NBA lottery pick, extended Duke\'s lead to nine points with a crucial three-pointer just three minutes before the end.

However, the Cougars, known for their grit and determination, refused to concede defeat. Houston guard L.J. Cryer, who emerged as a key player in the game, asserted post-match that their mindset was clear: “It ain\'t over because they still got time on the clock.” This mentality fueled a remarkable turnaround, as Houston orchestrated a 9-0 run in the final moments, stunning the Blue Devils and their supporters.

Cryer led the Cougars with an impressive 26 points, including six successful three-pointers, while Flagg’s impressive stats of 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists marked a bittersweet end to his college career. This game not only propelled Houston into the national championship game but also offered them a chance to secure their first national title, a victory they last pursued in 1983 and 1984.

The clash between Duke and Houston was a tale of two halves. After Proctor’s free throw, Houston quickly responded with their own scoring run, regaining momentum. Despite Duke\'s attempts to maintain their lead—including a pivotal three-pointer from Flagg that pushed their advantage back to nine points—the Blue Devils faltered in the closing minutes. Duke failed to make a single field goal in the final 10:30, a drought that proved critical. Coach Jon Scheyer acknowledged the Cougars’ relentless spirit, emphasizing that no lead was ever safe against a team that is unwilling to give up.

A pivotal moment in the game came late when Joseph Tugler of Houston committed a technical foul, momentarily swinging the momentum back to Duke. However, Houston\'s defensive prowess flourished as they intensified their pressure, forcing Duke into difficult situations. This culminated in a critical steal leading to a putback dunk by Tugler with just 25 seconds left, narrowing the gap significantly.

Houston’s strategic adjustments paid off handsomely. Following a free throw miss by Proctor, Houston’s J\'Wan Roberts hit two crucial free throws to give the Cougars their first lead since the first half. This was a moment of redemption for Roberts, who had struggled in previous tournaments, and it added to the narrative of a team overcoming past disappointments.

As time ticked down, Duke’s final possession was a tense affair. Flagg received the ball in a crucial position, and while he attempted a contested jumper, it fell short, sealing the fate of the Blue Devils. Cryer’s subsequent free throws added to the disappointment for Duke fans, as Proctor’s desperate heave at the buzzer went awry. This marked a painful ending for the Blue Devils, who had been considered favorites to win the tournament.

Coach Scheyer reflected on the game, noting that despite Duke\'s offensive struggles, it was their defensive shortcomings, allowing 42 points in the second half, that ultimately led to their downfall. He lamented the lack of stops that had been their strength throughout the season. In the opening half, Duke had built a six-point lead, but the game’s turning point came in the second half—a lesson in how quickly fortunes can change in college basketball.

As the players and fans processed the outcome, many were left pondering what could have been for Duke, a team loaded with talent and potential. Senior guard Sion James articulated the disappointment felt by the team, expressing their belief that they were the best in the country and had a genuine opportunity to showcase their skills on the biggest stage.

Houston, on the other hand, will look ahead to the national championship game with newfound confidence and determination, ready to take on Florida in a bid for their first national championship.