The 2024-25 men’s college basketball season has been marked by extensive video reviews, and the most exciting game of the 2025 NCAA Tournament – Houston’s thrilling 70-67 comeback win over Duke in the Final Four – has sparked discussions about the officiating.
Houston’s remarkable victory was aided by a controversial call that allowed them to secure the game-winning points. With Duke holding a slim lead, Houston intentionally fouled Tyrese Proctor, but Proctor missed the crucial free throw, leading to a scramble for the rebound involving J’Wan Roberts of Houston and Cooper Flagg of Duke.
After a questionable foul call on Flagg, Roberts went to the free-throw line and sank both shots, giving Houston a narrow lead. Despite Duke having a chance to take the lead in the final moments, a missed shot by Flagg sealed their fate. The game ended with a missed shot at the buzzer, completing Duke’s collapse in a game they once led by nine points with just over two minutes left.
Criticism of the foul call was swift, with CBS analysts questioning the decision, and the controversial call has become a focal point in discussions surrounding Duke’s defeat.
