Followers React to Duke’s Closing 4 Collapse In opposition to Houston

[ad_1] The Duke Blue Devils will go one more 12 months and not using a title after their heartbreaking loss to the Houston Cougars on Saturday, 70-67.

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The Blue Devils suffered a tricky loss to Houston in a sport during which they led for almost all of it. The ultimate minute for the Blue Devils was one to overlook; heck, the ultimate 33 seconds was one to overlook as Duke had a six-point lead that they noticed dissipate in 15 seconds.

Duke could also be some of the celebrated packages in faculty basketball, however that admiration comes with simply as a lot animosity. Following their robust loss, followers wasted no time heading to X to unleash a wave of roasts aimed on the Blue Devils.

Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils embraces with teammate Tyrese Proctor #5 through the second half within the Closing 4 sport of the NCAA Males's Basketball Match in opposition to the Houston Cougars on the... Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils embraces with teammate Tyrese Proctor #5 through the second half within the Closing 4 sport of the NCAA Males's Basketball Match in opposition to the Houston Cougars on the Alamodome on April 05, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. Extra Photograph by Jamie Squire/Getty Photographs That was an all-time collapse by Duke. Traditionally dangerous choke job.

11-1 run within the last 74 seconds. 9-0 run within the final 33 seconds.

Unimaginable. pic.twitter.com/3x02mVF066

— Scott Reichel (@ReichelRadio) April 6, 2025 The tide started to show in opposition to Duke with slightly below 12 minutes remaining within the second half. After Cooper Flagg knocked down a pair of free throws on the 11:54 mark to present the Blue Devils a 56-42 lead, Houston stormed again with a relentless 28-11 run to finish a surprising rally and punch their ticket to the title sport.

The Cougars leaned into the id that outlined their season—gritty protection, physicality, and dominant offensive rebounding—permitting them to generate second-chance alternatives and put on Duke down.

Houston capped the comeback with an exciting 9-0 run within the last 33 seconds, highlighted by J'Wan Roberts' clutch free throws with 19 seconds left to take the lead. Two extra from L.J. Cryer, with 3.7 seconds on the clock, sealed the win.

Duke had an opportunity to reply, however Flagg's turnaround jumper fell quick. Proctor had a last-second heave for the tie however missed the mark as time expired.

Houston held Duke to 2-of-11 taking pictures from the sector with beneath 12 minutes of sport left. Duke additionally turned over the ball 5 occasions in that span, as they'd solely two turnovers earlier than that.

It was a defeat that might go down as one of many hardest in this system's storied historical past. Nonetheless, that is the fact of sports activities—moments like these can both develop into a defining setback or a pivotal turning level that shapes the staff's future for years to return, particularly with a younger coach like Jon Scheyer on the helm.

Whereas Duke's loss was robust, Houston's win was superb. They now sit one win away from securing their first-ever NCAA title. Houston got here up quick in back-to-back seasons in 1983 and 1984. Nevertheless, this time, they will look to order their fortunes on Monday in opposition to the Florida Gators.