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.
HOUSTON STUNS DUKE TO ADVANCE TO THE NATTY pic.twitter.com/uOYyoXrNU6
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 6, 2025
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.
Insane foul call pic.twitter.com/hD9nap0JcQ
— Zion O. (@DukeNBA) April 6, 2025
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.
Duke got CHEATED pic.twitter.com/UXhX7lCZev
— Hoops (@HoopMixOnly) April 6, 2025
The refs really knocked Duke out of the tournament pic.twitter.com/I0tILxqlOK
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) April 6, 2025
Duke absolutely 1000% choked that game away & Houston deserved to win, but what in the actual hell is this foul call?
— Josh Reynolds (@JoshReynolds24) April 6, 2025
Calling this at any point is insane, let alone calling it with seconds left in a 1 point game in the Final 4…
Are we kidding? Lmaopic.twitter.com/qLzjM1YgwL
This foul call lost Duke the game and eliminated them from the NCAA Tournament.
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) April 6, 2025
You make the call.
pic.twitter.com/6NMLi1pWp7
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.
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