NCAA Final Four 2025 highlights Duke’s late-game meltdown in the Final Four 2025 will go down in history—not just for the scoring drought but also for a questionable foul that changed everything.
One of the Worst Final Four Collapses in Duke History
There’s no sugarcoating it—Duke scored just one field goal in the final 10 minutes of their Final Four 2025 matchup against Houston. That stat alone is enough to mark this game as one of the most painful collapses in Duke basketball history.
But there was one moment—a single controversial call—that shifted the tide for good and sealed the Blue Devils’ fate.
The Game-Changing Moment: 20 Seconds That Broke Duke
NCAA Final Four 2025 highlights With just 20 seconds left, Duke held a razor-thin one-point lead after watching a 14-point advantage slowly vanish. Junior guard Tyrese Proctor went to the line for a one-and-one situation. If he hit both, Houston would’ve needed a three-pointer just to force overtime.
But Proctor missed.
On the rebound, superstar freshman Cooper Flagg was called for a foul—a decision that instantly sent Houston’s J’Wan Roberts to the free-throw line. With Houston in the bonus, Roberts calmly knocked down both shots, giving the Cougars their first lead since early in the first half.
Was It Really a Foul on Cooper Flagg?
Upon replay, the call on Flagg looked highly questionable. NCAA Final Four 2025 highlightsRoberts appeared more focused on boxing out than attempting the rebound, and Flagg didn’t seem to make any notable contact.
However, from a referee’s perspective, a player reaching over another on a rebound often triggers an automatic whistle. This time, though, that split-second decision had massive consequences.
Missed Shot, Missed Opportunity: Flagg’s Final Moments
Down by one, Duke still had a chance. But Flagg missed a contested jumper with just eight seconds left, and Houston’s L.J. Cryer sealed the deal with two clutch free throws.
Final score: Houston 66, Duke 63.
Cooper Flagg’s Brilliant Career Ends on a Sour Note
NCAA Final Four 2025 highlights For Cooper Flagg, this wasn’t the ending anyone expected. The freshman phenom, who reclassified to play college ball a year early, dominated the 2024–25 season and swept every major National Player of the Year award.
Flagg is still projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft, but his final game in a Duke jersey will be remembered for a controversial whistle and a missed game-winner.
Final Thoughts: Duke Crumbles, Houston Marches On
Duke’s Final Four exit wasn’t just about bad luck—it was a perfect storm of missed free throws, a controversial foul, and offensive struggles. Meanwhile, NCAA Final Four 2025 highlights Houston’s resilience and poise under pressure earned them a well-deserved spot in the championship game.
NCAA Final Four 2025 highlights As fans debate the foul call for years to come, one thing is certain—this was a Final Four finish no one will forget.
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