SAN ANTONIO — J’Wan Roberts extended his hands, urging everyone to settle down. The atmosphere was electric, and the events unfolding on the court felt surreal. Yes, the night was bizarre and transformative, as the Houston Cougars prepared for a comeback that would leave fans, especially those in Durham, N.C., in disbelief. Roberts, a 23-year-old forward, was at the center of it all, having spent the previous two hours trying to contain Cooper Flagg, who exhibited an impressive array of spins and crossovers. He had also dedicated this season to improving his free-throw shooting, practicing diligently to make 150 shots daily. Now, the 6-foot-8, 235-pound Roberts stood at the free-throw line, ready to give the Cougars an improbable lead — their first since they trailed 15 minutes into the first half. The clock read 19 seconds as the Coogs aimed for the win in a breathtaking 70-67 finish.
“I wasn’t really nervous at all,” Roberts later stated, highlighting the unique mentality of the Houston team. Under the guidance of head coach Kelvin Sampson, the Cougars have cultivated a culture of resilience, which proved instrumental in their journey to the national championship game. Facing a formidable opponent in Duke, who led 59-45 with eight minutes remaining in the second half, Houston showed remarkable composure. Now, they are set to face Florida in a highly anticipated matchup on Monday night.
“If you have a culture,” Sampson asserted, “quitting is not part of the deal. We’re not going to quit; we’re just going to play better.” The game shifted dramatically during the final moments. Duke seemed to have control, especially when Flagg hit a critical three-pointer, extending their lead back to nine points with just over three minutes left. A pivotal moment came when a technical foul was called against Joseph Tugler, leading to a moment of despair for Sampson. However, in the last 33 seconds, the tides turned.
To understand why Houston has become a powerhouse in college basketball, one only needs to look at Tugler. Despite a costly mistake, he blocked a driving layup from Kon Knueppel, showcasing Houston's defensive prowess. Following an important three-pointer from Emanuel Sharp, which brought the score to 67-64, Tugler was involved in a crucial turnover, setting off a series of plays that would culminate in a 9-0 run to close out the game.
Houston’s comeback from a 14-point deficit is now etched in history as the fifth-largest comeback in Final Four history. “As long as there’s time on the clock, we’re going out there and giving it our all,” said L.J. Cryer, who scored an impressive 26 points and played the full game. The Cougars have a storied history, having made seven Final Four appearances and now aiming for their first national championship title.
Reflecting on the team’s journey, it’s remarkable to note that just eleven years ago, Sampson took over a struggling program. Under his leadership, Houston has transformed from a team with a dilapidated arena and a distant history into a national contender. By Year 4, the Cougars were back in the NCAA Tournament, and by Year 7, they were in the Final Four, now preparing for a title game.
Houston’s path to victory was not without its challenges. The game started poorly for the Cougars, who missed 14 of their first 17 shots. Typically, Houston would dominate the offensive rebounds, but Duke effectively countered their strategies. Sampson’s calm demeanor during a timeout was pivotal, allowing the team to regroup and refocus. With Cryer leading the charge, the Cougars clawed their way back into the game.
In a twist of fate, Duke’s Flagg, who had been a standout freshman, fell short on a critical shot. The final play, designed to mirror the iconic Grant Hill-to-Christian Laettner play, was thwarted when the inbounds pass was intercepted. Flagg, ending his college career with 27 points, walked off the court as Houston celebrated their hard-fought victory.
Next up for the Cougars is a colossal matchup against the Florida Gators, who recently defeated Auburn to advance to the championship game. With both teams capable of thrilling comebacks, basketball fans eagerly await what promises to be an unforgettable showdown. The Houston Cougars, a testament to resilience and determination, are on the brink of making history.
