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SAN ANTONIO, TX – April 5, 2025 – In a nail-biting finish that had fans on the edge of their seats, the No. 1 seed Houston Cougars men’s basketball team defeated the No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils 70-68 in the Final Four of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The game, held at the Alamodome in San Antonio, showcased an epic clash between two powerhouse programs, marking a pivotal moment in March Madness 2025. This Duke vs Houston game not only lived up to its billing as a battle of titans but also set the stage for Houston’s advancement to the NCAA Championship Game 2025. Here’s an in-depth look at the Duke basketball and Houston basketball saga that unfolded tonight.

Pre-Game Build-Up: A Clash of Giants

The anticipation for the Houston vs Duke matchup had been brewing for days. Duke, entering with a 35-3 record, boasted the nation’s top offense, led by freshman phenom Cooper Flagg, who had already cemented his status as a projected No. 1 NBA Draft pick. Meanwhile, Houston, with a 34-4 record and a 17-game win streak, arrived as the top defensive team, anchored by a veteran squad featuring standout guard L.J. Cryer. The stakes couldn’t have been higher in this Duke Houston showdown, a rematch of last year’s Sweet 16 where Duke edged out Houston 54-51.

For those wondering where to watch Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball vs Houston Cougars men’s basketball, the game aired live on CBS at 8:49 p.m. ET (5:49 p.m. PDT), with streaming available on March Madness Live. Fans across the nation tuned in, eager to see if Duke men’s basketball could maintain their offensive dominance or if Houston Cougars men’s basketball would stifle them with their suffocating defense.

Transitioning into the pre-game analysis, experts offered their Duke vs Houston prediction. Many leaned toward Houston’s defensive edge, but Duke’s explosive scoring potential made it a toss-up. “This is a classic offense-versus-defense matchup,” said CBS analyst Bill Raftery. “Duke’s length and Flagg’s versatility could challenge Houston, but the Cougars’ guards shoot over 41% from three—that’s a game-changer.”

First Half: Duke Takes Early Control

As the Duke game tipped off, the Blue Devils wasted no time asserting their presence. Cooper Flagg, the centerpiece of Duke players, opened with a quick layup, setting the tone for an aggressive start. By the first media timeout, Duke led 14-8, with Flagg and Kon Knueppel combining for 12 points. The Duke basketball score reflected their efficiency, as they shot 6-for-11 early on.

However, Houston responded with tenacity. Emanuel Sharp, a key figure for UH basketball, sparked a 6-0 run with a deep three-pointer, cutting the deficit to 18-15. The Cougars’ defense tightened, forcing Duke into tougher shots. By halftime, Duke clung to a slim 34-32 lead, thanks to a buzzer-beating floater from Houston’s J’Wan Roberts. The Duke score at the break showed their offense humming, but Houston’s resilience hinted at a second-half surge.

For fans tracking the Duke vs Houston live action, the physicality was evident. “Houston’s not backing down,” tweeted @DukeMBB. “This is going to be a war in the second half.” The score of Duke game underscored the competitiveness, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

Second Half: Houston’s Comeback Unfolds

The second half of the Duke vs Houston game saw momentum swing like a pendulum. Duke extended their lead to 64-58 with under five minutes remaining, fueled by Flagg’s 25-point, 10-rebound performance and Tyrese Proctor’s 18 points. The Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball squad appeared poised to pull away, with their length at the rim thwarting Houston’s interior attack.

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Nevertheless, Houston’s resolve shone through. L.J. Cryer, who finished with 22 points, ignited an 8-0 run, including a clutch three-pointer that gave the Cougars a 66-64 lead with 1:02 left. “Cryer’s ice-cold in the clutch,” noted ESPN’s live commentary. Duke responded with free throws from Flagg to tie it at 66, but the final moments belonged to Houston.

With five seconds on the clock, Cryer drained a game-winning three-pointer over Proctor, sending the Alamodome into a frenzy. The Duke vs Houston score finalized at 70-68, with Houston emerging victorious. The final four scores reflected the intensity: a two-point margin that could’ve gone either way.

Key Player Stats: Stars Shine Bright

Delving into the Houston Cougars men’s basketball vs Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball match player stats, standout performances defined the night. For Duke:

• Cooper Flagg: 25 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists – a stat line that showcased his all-around brilliance.
• Tyrese Proctor: 18 points, 4 rebounds – a steady hand for Proctor Duke in critical moments.
• Kon Knueppel: 12 points, efficient on 4-of-6 shooting.

For Houston:

• L.J. Cryer: 22 points, 3 rebounds – the hero of the Houston Duke game with his late-game heroics.
• J’Wan Roberts: 15 points, 8 rebounds – a force inside for UH.
• Emanuel Sharp: 12 points, including key defensive plays – a vital cog in the Cougars’ machine.

The Duke basketball score of 68 points was impressive against Houston’s top-ranked defense, but the Houston score of 70 proved just enough. The Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball vs Houston Cougars men’s basketball match player stats highlighted a balanced effort from both sides, with Cryer’s clutch shooting tipping the scales.

Post-Game Reactions: Triumph and Heartbreak

In the aftermath, Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson praised his team’s grit. “We knew Duke would come at us with everything,” he said in the post-game presser. “Our guys stayed composed and made the big plays when it mattered most.” Cryer echoed the sentiment: “This is what we’ve worked for all season. To beat a team like Duke in the Final Four basketball feels unreal.”

On the Duke sideline, heartbreak was palpable. Coach Jon Scheyer commended his squad’s effort: “We fought hard, but credit to Houston—they made the shots down the stretch. I’m proud of our guys, especially Cooper, who gave us everything.” Flagg, reflecting on the Duke game tonight, added, “It stings to lose like this, but Houston earned it.”

The Duke vs Houston time of 8:49 p.m. ET marked the start of a game that ended with Houston fans celebrating and Duke supporters left wondering what might have been. The who won Duke or Houston question was answered decisively by Cryer’s dagger.

Where to Watch and Relive the Action

For those asking where to watch Houston Cougars men’s basketball vs Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball or what channel is the Duke game on today, the game aired on CBS, with streaming on March Madness Live. Replays and highlights are available on CBS Sports Network and the NCAA’s official site, ensuring fans can revisit this Duke basketball game classic.

The Duke vs Houston channel provided crisp coverage, with Ian Eagle, Bill Raftery, and Grant Hill calling the action. For how to watch Duke vs Houston post-game, platforms like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV offer on-demand options. The Duke vs Houston where to watch question was answered comprehensively, making it accessible to all.

Implications for the NCAA Championship

With this victory, Houston advances to face [opponent] in the NCAA Championship Game 2025, scheduled for Monday, April 7, at 7:49 p.m. ET on CBS. Fans wondering when is the NCAA Championship Game or what time are the Final Four games can mark their calendars for this primetime showdown. The mens Final Four schedule concludes with Houston aiming for their first title since 1984.

Duke’s season ends at 35-4, a remarkable run that fell just short of the NCAA Finals. The Duke Final Four exit shifts focus to next year, with Flagg likely heading to the NBA. The Final Four results—Houston 70, Duke 68—cement this game as a March Madness classic.

Broader Context: Duke and Houston’s Legacy

This Duke and Houston game adds another chapter to both programs’ storied histories. Duke Blue Devils have made 18 Final Four appearances, second only to UCLA, with five national titles. Houston Cougars basketball, with seven Final Four trips, seeks to end a championship drought stretching back decades.

The Duke vs narrative often centers on their offensive flair, while Houston v Duke highlights the Cougars’ defensive prowess. The Duke Houston odds favored Duke slightly pre-game (-5.5), but Houston defied the Duke vs Houston odds with their late-game execution.

Additional Notes: Women’s Basketball and Beyond

While the men’s game stole the spotlight, the Duke Blue Devils women’s basketball vs Houston Cougars women’s basketball matchup isn’t scheduled this season. However, both programs’ women’s teams have rich histories, with Duke reaching the Elite Eight multiple times and Houston building momentum in the Big 12.

For Duke game today updates beyond this loss, fans can follow the Duke schedule on ESPN. The Duke game time and what time does Duke play queries now shift to next season, as Duke NCAA focus turns to rebuilding.

Statistical Breakdown

Here’s a quick look at the Houston Cougars men’s basketball vs Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball timeline stats:

The NCAA score of 70-68 reflects a game decided by inches, with Houston’s three-point shooting (5-of-11 in the second half) proving decisive.

Conclusion: A Game for the Ages

The Duke basketball and Houston Cougars clash on April 5, 2025, will be remembered as a testament to college basketball’s unpredictability. From Flagg’s dominance to Cryer’s heroics, the Duke vs Houston game time of 8:49 p.m. ET launched a spectacle that ended with Houston standing tall. As fans digest the Houston vs Duke score today, the Cougars prepare for the NCAA Basketball Championship, while Duke reflects on a season of near-greatness.

For more on this epic Duke bball moment, visit NCAA.com or catch updates on Duke MBB social channels. The March Madness Final Four delivered, and the Duke versus Houston story continues to resonate.

ESPN: Duke Blue Devils Scores, Stats, and Highlights

CBS Sports: Duke vs Houston Final Four Recap

NCAA.com: March Madness Live Updates

Yahoo Sports: Final Four 2025 Coverage

FAQ

Q: Who won the Duke or Houston game on April 5, 2025?
A: Houston Cougars won, defeating Duke Blue Devils 70-68 in the Final Four.

Q: Where can I watch the Duke vs Houston game replay?
A: Replays are available on CBS Sports Network and March Madness Live.

Q: What time does Duke play next after the Houston game?
A: Duke’s season ended with this loss; their next game will be in the 2025-26 season.

Q: What channel is the Duke game on for the championship?
A: Duke didn’t advance; the NCAA Championship Game 2025 with Houston airs on CBS, Monday, April 7, at 7:49 p.m. ET.

Q: Has Auburn won a national championship in basketball?
A: No, Auburn has never won an NCAA men’s basketball championship.

Q: When is the NCAA Championship Game 2025?
A: It’s scheduled for Monday, April 7, 2025, at 7:49 p.m. ET.