Gators and Cougars will Play for National Championship Tonight
Houston’s relentless defense turned a 14-point deficit into a thrilling 70-67 victory over Duke in the Final Four, earning a spot against Florida for the NCAA title. As the Cougars celebrated their incredible comeback, thoughts of new nicknames like “Comeback Kids” and future titles as “National Champs” filled the air.
Defensive Dominance Shuts Down Duke
Houston’s suffocating defense, led by Joseph Tugler’s remarkable four blocks, allowed the Cougars to hold Duke to a single field goal during the last 10.5 minutes of play. This defensive mastery left Duke with its second-lowest point tally of the season. The Blue Devils’ final attempt, a step-back jumper by Cooper Flagg, was disrupted by J’Wan Roberts, while a last-second heave by Tyrese Proctor missed entirely, sealing Duke’s fate.
Key Performances and Turning Points
L.J. Cryer, a former Baylor champion, led Houston with 26 points. His determined play and leadership helped the Cougars reach their first final since 1984, a time marked by the famous “Phi Slama Jama” era, despite never securing a title back then.
The Final Stretch: Houston’s Comeback
Trailing 64-55, Houston was far from done. Their disciplined defense, focusing on getting three consecutive stops, known as “kill stops,” proved crucial. The Cougars went on a 9-0 run in the last 33 seconds, capitalized by Roberts’ free throws, giving them the lead for the first time since early in the game.
Houston’s Defense & Duke’s Struggle
Houston’s ability to hold Duke to 37.5% shooting in the second half was pivotal. This performance starkly contrasted with Duke’s previous tournament games, where they averaged much higher shooting percentages, including a dominant win over Alabama.
For Duke, the loss was a bitter ending. Their slow departure was witnessed by Houston fans who waved goodbye to Cooper Flagg, a potential number-one pick in the upcoming NBA draft. Despite Flagg’s 27 points, Duke’s late-game performance faltered, securing Houston’s advancement to face Florida for the championship.
Upcoming Title Clash
Now standing at 35-4, the Cougars, who have never won a title, prepare to battle Florida, who secured their spot with a victory over Auburn. Houston aims to add another chapter to their storied history with a championship win, proving once again that defense truly wins championships.
