Houston Secures Spot in National Championship After Thrilling Victory Over Duke

Houston has made it to the national championship for the first time since 1984, marking their third overall appearance, after a breathtaking 70-67 win against Duke in the Final Four. Aiming for their first-ever national title, the Cougars will face off against Florida in the final match on Monday, following the Gators’ victory over Auburn in tonight’s earlier semifinal.

The game was a nail-biter, with Houston trailing almost the entire duration until they clinched the lead with just 19.6 seconds to go. Cooper Flagg, fresh off being awarded the Wooden Award, attempted a decisive midrange jumper with eight seconds left, but missed. L.J. Cryer was a standout for the Cougars, racking up 26 points, while Emanuel Sharp contributed 16 points to the team’s success.

Despite Cooper Flagg’s impressive performance—leading all players with 27 points, and adding seven rebounds, four assists, two steals, and three blocks—Duke couldn’t secure the victory. This marks a shocking end to Duke’s first Final Four appearance in the post-Coach K era.