Houston Stuns Duke in Final Four: NCAA March Madness Recap
Houston’s epic comeback beats Duke 70-67 in the NCAA Final Four on April 5, 2025. Get the full recap, key moments, and what’s next for the Cougars in March Madness.
The college basketball world witnessed a jaw-dropping upset on April 5, 2025, as the Houston Cougars mounted a furious comeback to defeat the Duke Blue Devils 70-67 in the NCAA Final Four. Played at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, this game showcased Houston’s resilience and Duke’s late-game collapse, setting the stage for a championship showdown against Florida on Monday, April 7.
Houston’s Historic Comeback Shocks Duke
With just over eight minutes remaining, Duke held a commanding 59-45 lead, seemingly on their way to the national championship game. However, Houston’s top-ranked defense turned the tide, holding Duke to just eight points for the rest of the game. The Cougars’ relentless pressure and timely scoring erased a 14-point deficit, culminating in a 70-67 victory that sent shockwaves through March Madness.
Key Moments in the Houston vs. Duke Game
The turning point came in the final minutes when Houston’s Emanuel Sharp ignited a 13-3 run, including a clutch three-pointer that cut Duke’s lead to 67-64 with 33 seconds left. After a missed free throw by Duke’s Tyrese Proctor, J’Wan Roberts secured the lead for Houston with two free throws, making it 68-67. With the game on the line, Duke’s Cooper Flagg, the projected No. 1 NBA Draft pick, missed a potential game-tying jumper, and Houston sealed the win at the free-throw line.
Standout Performances
L.J. Cryer led Houston with 26 points, keeping the Cougars in contention early, while Sharp added 16 points, including nine in the final stretch. For Duke, Flagg delivered a game-high 27 points, but his late miss proved costly. Kon Knueppel chipped in 16 points, but Duke’s offense faltered, making just one field goal in the last 10 minutes.
Duke’s Collapse Ends Championship Hopes
Duke entered the game as the tournament favorite, boasting the highest KenPom rating since 1999 and a 30.97% pick rate to win it all in the March Madness Bracket Challenge. However, their inability to score down the stretch exposed a season-long weakness in physicality and toughness in the paint. The Blue Devils’ loss marked a heartbreaking end to a dominant run that included three 20-point tournament victories.
Houston’s victory propels them to their first national championship game since 1984, where they’ll face the Florida Gators. The Cougars, led by coach Kelvin Sampson, have relied on their elite defense and improved offense to reach this stage. With a 34-4 record and a 19-1 Big 12 mark, Houston is poised to make history on Monday night.
March Madness Final Four Recap
The Houston vs. Duke game followed Florida’s 79-73 win over Auburn earlier in the day, setting up an all-SEC vs. Big 12 title clash. For Duke fans, the loss stings after a season of high expectations, while Houston celebrates a monumental upset. The NCAA Championship game tips off at 8:50 p.m. ET on April 7, airing on CBS.
Final Score and Takeaways
Final Score: Houston 70, Duke 67. This game will be remembered as a classic, highlighting Houston’s grit and Duke’s late-game struggles. As March Madness nears its climax, all eyes turn to Houston and Florida to determine the 2025 NCAA champion.
