Capping off a miraculous comeback in the semi-final game, the University of Houston defeated Duke University 70-67 on Saturday at the Alamodome.
A 9-0 scoring run in the final minute gave Houston (34-4, 19-1 Big 12) an edge in the Final Four matchup. Facing a double-digit deficit with two minutes left, the Cougars continued to capitalize off of Duke’s (35-4,19-1 ACC) mistakes in every late opportunity. The Blue Devils’ late game turnovers and missed free throws allowed Houston to take control of the game and walk away with a chance at a National Championship victory.
“This is an awesome win, an awesome win for my kids,” coach Kelvin Sampson said. “You’re not just beating a good team; you’re beating an unbelievable program.”
With under a minute left, Houston found itself down by six. Needing a quick score, Cougar guard Emanuel Sharp sprinted down the court and knocked down a clutch three. With 31 seconds left, Houston broke into its full-court press, forcing a Blue Devil turnover in the backcourt. Houston forward Joseph Tugler scored a putback dunk to bring them within one; the team then quickly fouled Duke guard Tyrese Proctor, who missed on the one-and-one attempt. While going for an offensive rebound, Blue Devil forward Cooper Flagg committed a loose ball foul, sending Cougar forward J’wan Roberts to the line with a chance to make history.
“To tell you the honest truth, going up to that free throw line, I wasn’t nervous at all,” Roberts said. “I didn’t treat those free throws any different. I trust my work.”
The forward sank both attempts to give Houston a one-point lead with 19 seconds left.
Needing a stop to seal the victory, the Cougars focused on Flagg for the entirety of the play. Houston aggressively defended Flagg outside the paint, forcing the forward to put up a contested mid-range jumper that was left short.
“We knew who they were going to,” Sampson said. “When [Flagg] turned his back, originally we were supposed to double.”
With no choice but to foul, Duke sent Houston guard L.J Cryer to the charity stripe, where he sank both shots to seal the victory.
“[As] long as there’s time on the clock, we’re going to give it our all,” Cryer said.
Facing a deficit as large as 12 in the first half, the Cougars continued to chip away at the Blue Devil’s lead. The team scored 19 second-chance points along with eight turnovers. As a collective, the Cougars totaled 42 rebounds and 10 assists while only committing nine turnovers. Cryer led the way with 26 points, and Sharp followed behind with 16. The team shot 45% from the floor and 37% from three.
The Cougars will take on the University of Florida at 7:50 p.m. Monday at the Alamodome.
English
Spanish