Houston Secures Thrilling 70-67 Win Over Duke in Final Four, Set to Challenge Florida for NCAA Championship!

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The famous “Phi Slama Jama” nickname of the past is out, but “Comeback Kids” might just fit Houston perfectly now. They’ve shown resilience that could lead them to a championship.

In an electrifying semifinal, Houston fought back from a 14-point deficit to beat Duke 70-67. Behind a strong defensive effort, they held Duke to just one field goal in the last ten minutes. Joseph Tugler’s four blocks were key, consistently stifling Duke’s attempts to score. This was a critical moment, as the Blue Devils finished with just their second-lowest point total of the season.

“We just had to keep that belief,” said L.J. Cryer, who led the Cougars with 26 points and knows what it takes to win after earning a title with Baylor in 2021. Houston hasn’t reached the national finals since 1984, marking an end to the Phi Slama Jama era—a time renowned for exciting plays but ultimately lacking a title.

The game served as a reminder of one key factor: defense wins championships. Houston has proven this point throughout the season by allowing the fewest points among top teams. Against a strong Duke squad—with NBA prospects like Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel—it was a daunting challenge, but Houston triumphed. Flagg, hailed as the AP Player of the Year, managed to get 27 points but struggled as the game wore on.

Historically, great defenses define winning teams. Houston’s ability to perform under pressure echoes past champions, and their game plan revolved around strong defensive stretches. “Even when we were down, the message was to hang in there,” coach Kelvin Sampson emphasized after the game. This mentality kept the Cougars focused and resilient.

Houston managed to string together critical stops that turned the tide in their favor late in the game. The last minutes were tense, with Duke managing only three free throws and failing to capitalize on opportunities. Mylik Wilson’s steal and Tugler’s tip-in brought the Cougars one step closer to victory.

The outcome wasn’t just a win for Houston; it also had implications beyond the court. An AI program that created a March Madness bracket predicted Houston’s victory, netting its creator, Alan Levy, a $1 million payout from a wager with a professional gambler. Regardless of the upcoming final outcome, Levy’s AI will stand out in this tournament.

As Houston preps for their championship showdown against Florida on Monday night, they’re reminded of the journey they’ve taken to get here. The heart they showed in relentless defense and teamwork could very well lead them to the prize they’ve sought for nearly four decades.

For more insights into March Madness and the teams involved, visit the AP March Madness hub [here](https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness) for updates and comprehensive coverage.

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