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Social Media Reacts to Foul Call on Duke's Cooper Flagg Late in Game
© Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

In a clash between two college basketball powerhouses, the Houston Cougars edged out the Duke Blue Devils 70-67 in a nail-biting finish that had fans on the edge of their seats. The game was everything it promised to be: intense, physical, and filled with big moments. Duke’s freshman superstar Cooper Flagg put on a show, scoring 27 points and hauling in 7 rebounds. He was the driving force behind Duke’s offense all night, delivering clutch shots and showing why he's considered one of the top young talents in the country.

Despite Flagg’s heroics, Duke couldn’t quite overcome Houston’s defensive tenacity and late-game execution. The Cougars capitalized on second-chance opportunities and key defensive stops in the final minutes to seal the win. But it wasn’t just the basketball that had people talking, it was a controversial call that quickly stole the spotlight.

With just minutes remaining, Flagg was whistled for an over-the-back foul during a free throw attempt, a call that many believe changed the course of the game. The foul appeared questionable at best, and replays showed minimal contact. Social media erupted, especially on X (formerly Twitter), where fans and analysts alike blasted the officiating and defended Flagg’s clean play. Some questioned how such a call could be made in a critical moment of a close game.

The moment quickly went viral and overshadowed what was otherwise an incredible performance by both teams. While Houston walked away with the win, the debate around the foul and Flagg’s standout performance will live on far beyond the final buzzer.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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