No. 1 seed Duke saw its season end in heartbreaking fashion during a 70-67 loss to No. 1 seed Houston.

In a shocking turn of events at the Alamodome in San Antonio, the Duke Blue Devils saw their promising NCAA tournament run come to an unexpected halt with a 70-67 loss to the Houston Cougars. Dominating for most of the game and holding a 14-point lead with just over eight minutes left, Duke was seemingly on a trajectory toward a championship showdown. However, Houston's staunch resilience shone through in the game's final moments, as they executed an impressive comeback, showcasing a never-quit attitude that has become synonymous with their program under head coach Kelvin Sampson. Key plays, including missed free throws by Duke’s Tyrese Proctor and crucial three-pointers by Houston players like Emanuel Sharp, proved decisive in flipping the momentum of the match. Duke's talented roster—led by the highly touted Cooper Flagg—was expected to secure a spot in the championship, with pundits heralding Flagg as a national player of the year candidate. Yet the Blue Devils failed to execute effectively down the stretch, with their final field goal drought extending over ten minutes. This loss serves as a stark reminder that past performance doesn't guarantee future success in the unpredictable landscape of March Madness. Each misstep by Duke was matched by Houston's strategic plays, demonstrating that success often comes down to making big plays at crucial moments. Reflecting on the game, Duke coach Jon Scheyer expressed depth of sentiment, emphasizing the disappointment felt by his team. In contrast, Houston's jubilation signifies a pivotal moment for their program, as they advance to face Florida in the national championship game. The road ahead for both teams—Duke facing roster upheavals as players decide between turning professional or returning—but one unanswered question remains: Can Houston capitalize on this momentum to secure their first national title? This climactic game has already etched itself into NCAA tournament lore, underlining the dramatic highs and lows that characterize this annual sporting spectacle.