Cooper Flagg’s night ended in stunning fashion as Houston completed an epic comeback against Duke in the Final Four. Despite leading by 14 points with just over 8 minutes left, the Blue Devils found themselves trailing after a dramatic 11-1 run by Houston in the final 1 minute and 14 seconds of the game.
The Cougars’ relentless pressure and stellar defense ultimately led to their 70-67 victory, with Flagg missing a potential game-winning shot with less than 8 seconds remaining. This heartbreaking loss marked the end of Duke’s 15-game winning streak and handed Houston a spot in the national championship game against Florida.
Flagg’s late struggles were a key factor in the loss. Despite scoring 27 points, he made only two field goals in the last 13 minutes and none in the final three minutes.
Houston’s incredible run in the final minutes showcased their determination and skill. The Cougars’ 11-1 run, including an 8-point burst in 33 seconds, was a pivotal moment in the game.
A disputed foul call on Flagg with 19.6 seconds left gave Houston two free throws, which they converted to take the lead.
The loss was tough for Flagg, who had an incredible freshman season, averaging 18.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. The Cougars celebrated their comeback victory, with guard Emanuel Sharp highlighting their team’s resilience and teamwork.
Duke Coach Jon Scheyer praised Houston’s pressure defense, acknowledging that it was a key factor in their loss. The game was a thrilling conclusion to the Final Four, with Houston’s victory setting up a national championship game against Florida.
