HOUSTON PULLS OFF THE UNTHINKABLE! COUGARS STUN DUKE IN EPIC FINAL FOUR THRILLER!

 

Written by MAi' Ghen Storm, SFL Writer | Photo by: Oscar Herrera, SFL Photographer

Down by a seemingly insurmountable 14 points with just 8:02 left on the clock, the Houston Cougars looked finished. But LJ Cryer had other plans! The electrifying guard ignited a comeback for the ages, catching fire from deep and pouring in a game-high 26 points.

In a heart-stopping Final Four clash between No. 1 seeds that fans won't soon forget, Houston clawed their way back. With the game hanging in the balance, J'Wan Roberts stepped to the line with ice in his veins and sank the go-ahead free throws, sealing a stunning 70-67 victory over the Duke Blue Devils!

The San Antonio crowd went absolutely wild as the final buzzer sounded! Cryer was unstoppable, draining 6-of-9 three-pointers, while Roberts was a force inside, adding 11 points, ripping down 12 crucial rebounds, and dishing out 5 assists. Emanuel Sharp delivered clutch play after clutch play down the stretch, finishing with 16 vital points.

Duke's Cooper Flagg put on a show with 27 points, 7 boards, and 4 assists, but a devastating foul call with just 19 seconds remaining put Roberts on the line for the game-winning shots, snatching victory away from the Blue Devils who had led for most of the contest.

Despite shooting just 37.7% from the floor, Houston dominated the glass, outrebounding Duke 42-31. They cooled off a scorching hot Duke team, holding them to 39.4% shooting after the Blue Devils had hit over 50% in their previous tournament games.

The final minutes were pure chaos! Duke led 67-61 after a technical foul with 1:14 left. But Houston refused to break! A massive three from Sharp cut the lead. Then, a stunning steal by Mylik Wilson led to a thundering putback dunk by Joseph Tugler, making it a one-point game! After Duke's Tyrese Proctor missed the front end of a one-and-one, Roberts grabbed the rebound, drew the fateful foul on Flagg, and etched his name into Cougar history!

Flagg's final attempt rimmed out, Cryer iced the game with two more free throws, and the Cougars completed the miraculous comeback!

Houston (35-4) has punched their ticket to the national championship game, bringing down a titan and sending shockwaves through the tournament! They'll face Florida on Monday with the ultimate prize on the line!