Houston’s victory over Duke is more than just a notable upset – it’s an epitome of Coach Kelvin Sampson’s molding of the team into a bastion of toughness. The 70-67 win marked a turning point in Sampson’s career, as he showed his players’ resilience and determination.
For years, Houston has been known for its gritty defense, but this game showcased the team’s ability to adapt and overcome adversity. From a six-point deficit to a one-point lead, Houston’s energy and killjoy prowess made even Duke’s offense look panicky.
The turning point came in the final 14 seconds of play when Houston scored five unanswered points, capped off by Mylik Wilson’s slam dunk after a Houston steal. The crowd erupted as graduate student Jowon Aha’s teammate, Kon Knueppel, missed the front end of a one-and-one with 20 seconds left.
Despite Flagg’s last shot being his “last shot before the NBA,” he concluded with gloom and tears after Coach Mike Scheyer said, “We truly believed we were going to be playing Monday night.” The Duke team had reached the Final Four while showcasing elegant basketball – a credit to the sport.
This win marks a significant milestone for Sampson’s career and cemented Houston’s reputation as one of the toughest teams in the country.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/04/06/houston-duke-final-four-comeback