Duke secured a commanding first-half lead over Houston in their Final Four matchup at the Alamodome, entering halftime with a 34-28 advantage behind Cooper Flagg’s standout performance and aggressive offensive strategy.
The historic Final Four showdown marked Duke’s 18th appearance in the tournament’s penultimate round, matching UCLA for the second-most all-time. The Blue Devils entered the contest riding a 15-game winning streak under first-year Final Four coach Jon Scheyer.
Flagg, the Wooden Award winner, demonstrated his elite athleticism with an emphatic transition dunk that energized the crowd of over 60,000 fans. His presence on both ends of the floor proved crucial in maintaining Duke’s early advantage.
“Cooper really settled in after those first couple misses,” said Duke head coach Jon Scheyer. “His ability to impact the game in multiple ways is what makes him special.”
Houston’s LJ Cryer opened the scoring with a three-pointer off an offensive rebound, exemplifying the Cougars’ trademark aggressive style under coach Kelvin Sampson. However, pre-game predictions favored Duke, with 73% of analysts expecting a Blue Devils victory.
The game’s significance extended beyond the immediate competition, as both teams sought to add to their storied legacies. For Duke, it represented an opportunity to continue their championship tradition under new leadership, while Houston aimed to secure their first national title appearance in four years.
The intense defensive battle showcased why both programs reached this stage, with Houston’s renowned defensive pressure testing Duke’s offensive capabilities throughout the first half.
This matchup held particular importance as part of only the second Final Four in NCAA history to feature all four No. 1 seeds, highlighting the exceptional level of competition in this year’s tournament.
The game’s implications for future NBA prospects, particularly Flagg’s draft stock, added another layer of intrigue to an already compelling contest. His performance on college basketball’s biggest stage could significantly influence his professional trajectory.