April 6, 2025 – All eyes were on Glendale, Arizona, Saturday night as the Duke Blue Devils faced off against the Houston Cougars in one of the most anticipated Final Four clashes of the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship. With tensions high and the stakes higher, the battle between Duke and Houston did not disappoint.
Final Score: Houston 72, Duke 67
In a game marked by fierce defense and clutch performances, the Houston Cougars men’s basketball team pulled away in the final minutes to defeat Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball 72-67, punching their ticket to the NCAA Championship Game. This victory cements Houston’s return to the title game for the first time in decades, adding another legendary chapter to their program’s rise.
Emanuel Sharp Shines Bright
Emanuel Sharp led the charge for Houston, dropping 21 points and hitting a crucial three-pointer with just under two minutes left to seal the win. He was backed by Jamal Shead’s 14 points and a lockdown defensive effort that held Duke’s shooters in check during crunch time.
Duke’s Heart, Houston’s Hustle
Duke came out strong, with Tyrese Proctor and Kyle Filipowski combining for 36 points. But despite a late push from Duke’s bench and a surge of energy after halftime, the Cougars maintained composure, hitting key free throws and forcing critical turnovers.
“This is what March Madness is all about,” said Houston coach Kelvin Sampson. “Grit, heart, and playing for something bigger than yourself. Tonight, our guys showed all of that.”
What’s Next: NCAA Championship Game 2025
Houston will advance to the 2025 NCAA Championship Game set for Monday, April 7, with tipoff scheduled for 9:20 PM ET. They’ll face the winner of the UConn vs Alabama matchup later tonight.
Where to Watch Duke vs Houston (Replay and Highlights)
If you missed the live broadcast, fans can catch the full replay and highlights of the Duke vs Houston game on:
- CBS Sports (TV and app)
- March Madness Live
- YouTube – NCAA March Madness Channel
Stats, player matchups, and post-game analysis are also available through ESPN and the NCAA official website.
Final Four Schedule Today
- UConn vs Alabama: Tipoff at 8:49 PM ET
- Championship Game: April 7, 2025 at 9:20 PM ET
Duke Ends a Memorable Season
Despite the loss, Duke’s 2025 tournament run reignited fan hopes and proved this young team has a bright future. Coach Jon Scheyer praised his squad post-game: “We fought hard. We came up just short, but I’m proud of every player in that locker room.”
March Madness Delivers Again
With the Final Four results now shaping the road to the championship, fans around the country are soaking up the drama, excitement, and unpredictability that only March Madness can bring.
Stay tuned for full Final Four coverage, including updates on player injuries, Duke vs Houston player stats, and expert predictions for the championship game.
