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NCAA Men’s Final Four: Houston Upsets Duke
The NCAA Men’s Final Four has set the stage for a dramatic showdown as all four participants are No. 1 seeds. In a thrilling clash, the Houston Cougars pulled off a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 14-point deficit in the final minutes to secure a 70-67 victory over the Duke Blue Devils, effectively ending Duke’s championship aspirations.
In a game marked by intense defensive prowess, Duke managed a meager one field goal over the last ten and a half minutes. The team’s final attempts to turn the tide included a disrupted step-back jumper by Cooper Flagg, followed by a desperate three-point attempt from Tyrese Proctor that ended without a score as time expired.
Key contributions came from J’Wan Roberts, whose crucial free throws with just under 20 seconds left allowed Houston to reclaim the lead for the first time since early in the game. LJ Cryer, the evening’s standout with 26 points, extended the lead moments later, marking Houston’s largest advantage of the matchup.
With this win, Houston, a program that has yet to capture a national championship, is set to face the Florida Gators in the title game on Monday night. Florida advanced to the final by defeating Auburn 79-73 in a game that showcased a more free-flowing style of play, in stark contrast to Houston’s defensive strategy.
The Cougars demonstrated their grit by finishing the game on an 11-1 run, turning momentum in their favor late in the contest. Although Flagg finished the game with 27 points, his shooting efficiency suffered as he struggled to find open looks after a key three-pointer that appeared to put Duke in a commanding position.
Houston, a team that prides itself on defensive stops – dubbing them as “kill stops” – executed their strategy effectively, allowing just three free throws in the critical moments before the final buzzer. Their formidable defense was highlighted by strong performances, including four blocked shots by Joseph Tugler.
Looking Ahead: Championship Matchup
With Houston’s historic win over Duke, the upcoming championship clash against Florida promises to be an exhilarating contest. Both teams will bring distinct styles to the court, with Houston’s defensive tenacity pitted against Florida’s high-scoring approach. Fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate how these contrasting strategies will unfold in the quest for the NCAA championship.
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