The Houston Cougars pulled off a dramatic comeback victory over the Duke Blue Devils in the NCAA Men’s Final Four on April 5, 2025, clinching a spot in the national championship with a 70–67 win. The game had fans across the country glued to their screens — including WNBA star Angel Reese, who summed it up perfectly with a four-word reaction on social media: “This game is crazy.”
Reese’s reaction struck a chord with basketball fans because it captured just how wild and intense the game was. It also showed how moments like these connect players across levels — from the WNBA to college hoops — as part of one basketball community.
Houston’s Stunning Comeback Shakes the Final Four
The Cougars stunned the Blue Devils with a late rally, locking in on defense when it mattered most. After trailing by 14 with 8:17 left (59–45), Houston turned up the pressure. Duke managed just one field goal the rest of the way — a Cooper Flagg three-pointer with 3:03 left to make it 67–58. That was it.
this game is crazy
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) April 6, 2025
From there, Houston took over. L.J. Cryer led the charge with 26 points and six threes, while Joseph Tugler came up big on defense with four key blocks.
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Duke freshman Cooper Flagg put on a show with 27 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. But in the end, it wasn’t enough. A critical moment came in the final seconds when Flagg was called for a loose-ball foul, setting up the free throws that sealed Houston’s win.
Reese didn’t stop with her one-liner. She also praised Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson, tweeting, “I love him man. Such a great coach!!” Sampson is widely respected for guiding the Cougars to their first national championship appearance in 41 years.
The Broader Implications for Basketball Communities
Fans on social media reacted with shock and excitement. One user posted, “Duke completely choked down the stretch. Dominated the entire game and then just fell apart in the last 90 seconds.”
Another noted, “Houston goes on an 11-1 run over the last 1:14 to stun Duke.”
When pro athletes like Reese engage with college hoops, it highlights how basketball connects every level of the game. That crossover builds fan interest and gives younger athletes a reason to keep chasing the dream — because the passion for basketball runs through every tier.
Houston’s comeback win and all the reactions around it show just how unpredictable and thrilling this sport can be. It’s a reminder that in basketball, no lead is safe — and sometimes the final seconds decide everything.
Cooper Flag one of the hardest working players in basketball goes to show anyone can have a rough few minutes in a game. Jon Broom was all over the place in the Auburn lost. Shows why you have to prepare as a team.Kentucky lost their games not playing as a team.
I guess that Cooper flag over the back foul at the foul line cemented the Houston win. Cooper flag needs to stay one more year at Duke so Kentucky can beat them again next year.