Cooper Flagg and the top-seeded Duke Blue Devils entered the Final Four this past weekend widely regarded as one of the most talented college basketball teams in recent memory. But that reputation took a major hit after a stunning 70-67 loss to fellow No. 1 seed Houston, in which Duke squandered a 14-point lead. The defeat has quickly reshaped the conversation around Duke, with many now viewing the team’s collapse as one of the most significant in tournament history—a massive letdown from a group with sky-high expectations.
Despite the late-game struggles, Duke still had a chance to win. With under 15 seconds left and trailing by just one, they managed to get the ball into Flagg’s hands. He maneuvered from the wing to the free throw line, facing off one-on-one against Houston’s J’wan Roberts. Flagg attempted a tough turnaround jumper, but it came up short, and Houston secured the rebound to effectively seal the game.
While it was no secret Flagg would take the final shot, Houston’s decision to isolate him against Roberts without help surprised some observers. According to The Athletic’s CJ Moore, that choice came directly from Roberts himself. “With Houston now ahead by one, Duke coach Jon Scheyer called timeout to draw up a play,” Moore reported. “In the Houston huddle, Roberts told his coaches he didn’t want any help on Flagg.”
Roberts later explained his mindset to The Athletic: “I knew where the ball was going. There was only one guy getting it—it’s the player of the year. You’re not going to stop him from getting a shot off, but you can make it as tough as possible.”
Houston’s bold strategy worked, and their second-half comeback, capped by that crucial defensive stand, earned them a spot in Monday night’s national championship game against the Florida Gators.