In a stunning turn of events during the NCAA Final Four, the Duke Blue Devils squandered a 14-point lead with just over eight minutes remaining, ultimately falling 70-67 to the Houston Cougars. The dramatic collapse has ignited a flurry of reactions from fans and analysts alike. citeturn0news16

Duke appeared to be in control for the majority of the game, with standout freshman Cooper Flagg leading the charge with 27 points. However, the Blue Devils’ offense faltered in the closing minutes, managing only one field goal in the final 10 minutes and 30 seconds. This offensive drought allowed Houston to mount an impressive comeback, culminating in a 9-0 run in the last 33 seconds to seal their victory. citeturn0search0

The sudden turnaround left the sports community in disbelief. Fans took to social media to express their astonishment and frustration. One user remarked, “Duke completely choked down the stretch. Dominated the entire game and then just fell apart in the last 90 seconds.” Another commented, “That was an all-time collapse by Duke. Historically bad choke job.” citeturn0search0

Even former Duke players weighed in on the outcome. Austin Rivers, who played for the Blue Devils before entering the NBA, expressed his dismay, stating, “Don’t text me or call me.” citeturn0search2

In the aftermath, Duke’s head coach Jon Scheyer addressed the media, acknowledging the team’s shortcomings in the final moments. He emphasized the need for growth and resilience, stating, “We had some good looks, didn’t finish. And you have to give Houston a ton of credit.” citeturn0search7

Conversely, Houston’s head coach Kelvin Sampson praised his team’s perseverance, highlighting their unwavering determination despite the significant deficit. “No one ever loses in anything, as long as you don’t quit,” Sampson remarked. citeturn0search7

As the Cougars advance to the national championship game against Florida, the Blue Devils are left to reflect on a season that ended in heartbreak. The unexpected defeat serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of March Madness and the thin margin between