Duke’s Historic Collapse and Controversial Foul Call in NCAA Tournament In one of the most dramatic and heart-wrenching games of the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, the Duke Blue Devils saw their dreams of a national championship dashed in an unforgettable collapse against the Houston Cougars. Leading by 14 points with just over eight minutes remaining, Duke appeared poised to secure a spot in the national championship game. However, what followed was nothing short of a historic meltdown that saw Houston storm back for a stunning 70-67 victory.

Duke’s Historic Collapse and Controversial Foul Call in NCAA Tournament

In one of the most dramatic and heart-wrenching games of the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, the Duke Blue Devils saw their dreams of a national championship dashed in an unforgettable collapse against the Houston Cougars. Leading by 14 points with just over eight minutes remaining, Duke appeared poised to secure a spot in the national championship game. However, what followed was nothing short of a historic meltdown that saw Houston storm back for a stunning 70-67 victory.

The game, which had been dominated by Duke for the majority of the first half and into the second, took a dramatic turn as their once-commanding lead began to dwindle. Houston, refusing to back down, mounted a relentless comeback, capitalizing on Duke’s offensive struggles. The Blue Devils, who had been shooting efficiently and playing tough defense, suddenly lost their rhythm. Turnovers, missed shots, and poor free-throw shooting allowed the Cougars to claw their way back into the game, making it clear that Duke was in danger of losing control.

As the game entered its final moments, the tension was palpable. With just 19.6 seconds left, Duke had a golden opportunity to seal the win. Tyrese Proctor, Duke’s poised point guard, was sent to the free-throw line for a one-and-one opportunity. Unfortunately, Proctor missed the front end, and in the scramble for the rebound, Duke’s star player, Cooper Flagg, was called for a controversial over-the-back foul on Houston’s J’Wan Roberts. This foul sent Roberts to the free-throw line, where he calmly sank both attempts, giving Houston a 68-67 lead.

The call sparked immediate outrage, with fans and analysts alike questioning the decision. Many felt that it was a questionable call at such a critical juncture in the game. Critics argued that Flagg, who had been an exceptional presence throughout the tournament, was simply fighting for position and did not deserve the foul. Social media erupted with heated debates, with some pointing to the officiating as the deciding factor in Duke’s downfall, while others contended that the Blue Devils’ inability to close out the game was the true reason for their loss.

Despite the controversial foul call, the reality of Duke’s defeat was clear. Their performance in the final ten minutes was a far cry from the dominant play they exhibited earlier in the game. The Cougars took full advantage of Duke’s mistakes, scoring crucial points down the stretch to complete their dramatic comeback. Houston’s victory not only secured their place in the national championship game but also marked their first such appearance since 1984, a historic achievement for the program.

For Duke, this loss is a bitter pill to swallow, especially considering their early dominance. The Blue Devils now face the harsh reality of an early exit from the tournament, while questions about their late-game execution and the controversial foul call will linger in the aftermath of the game. As Houston prepares to face off for the national title, Duke must look back at missed opportunities and wonder what could have been.

Ultimately, this game will go down in history as one of the most memorable in NCAA Tournament lore—an unforgettable collapse, a controversial decision, and a stunning comeback that reshaped the future of the 2025 tournament.