Duke-Houston: Score, live updates, stream for the Final Four

You know those nights that just stick with you? April 5, 2025, was one of those for me. I mean, I'm a huge college basketball nerd, so the hype leading up to the Final Four was already getting under my skin weeks before tip-off. Duke vs. Houston? That’s not just any game—that’s two powerhouses going head-to-head.

I didn’t make it to San Antonio, but honestly, it felt like I was there. The energy was insane, even through a screen. The Alamodome was rocking. I could almost hear the floorboards creaking and the fans yelling like they were in my living room.

Speaking of, yeah, I had a few friends over. Same crew that always comes through for March Madness. Popcorn? Check. Worn-out Duke jersey from 2010? Double check. And honestly, it wasn’t just about the game—it felt like we were all getting ready for something bigger. Something you just knew you'd remember.

Tip-off hit, and boom—Duke came out like they’d been shot out of a cannon. They were moving fast, playing sharp. That kid Cooper Flagg? Man... he’s 18, but the way he was running the offense? Like he’s been doing it since birth. It’s weird watching someone that young be that good. I even said out loud, “There’s no way he’s a freshman.” My buddy Dave just nodded with his mouth full of nachos.

Houston didn’t back down, though. Nope. LJ Cryer? That dude was on fire. He hit a three so clean in the second quarter, we all just froze for a sec. You ever get that feeling where both teams are playing outta their minds, and you're just sitting there like, "What is this magic I’m watching?" Yeah, it was like that.

By halftime, Duke was barely holding on to the lead. We were yelling over each other, trying to guess what adjustments they’d make. My cousin swore Flagg was gonna take over second half. I wasn’t sure. Houston looked hungry. Like, really hungry.

Then second half started—and yeah, Houston came out swinging. They tightened up their defense, forced turnovers, hit a couple of fast breaks... suddenly they were ahead. And for a second, you could feel it in the room. All that cheering turned into this tense silence. No one said it, but we were all thinking the same thing: “Are we about to lose this?”

But man, Duke didn’t flinch. Flagg—again, this kid—started taking charge. Big shots. Quick drives. Couple of steals. It felt like watching a superhero movie. And Duke’s defense? They clamped down hard. I mean, they were everywhere. Hands in passing lanes, blocks, just disrupting everything.

Final few minutes? Oh my god. I legit stood up. Couldn’t sit. Houston had one last shot to either tie or go up, and the play they ran? Beautiful. Almost worked. But Duke’s D was airtight. Contested jumper. Missed. Rebound secured. Game over. Final score: Duke 67, Houston 61.

And we went nuts. I’m talking shouting, high-fives flying, someone knocked over a soda. Honestly, it felt bigger than just a win. It felt like we lived through a moment together, you know? Like we were part of it somehow.

Even now, when I think back, it’s not just about basketball. It’s about how sports brings people together. We argued, laughed, got stressed, celebrated—all in one night. That’s the magic of it. Those kids on the court? They gave us something to feel. Something real.

If you didn’t catch the game, trust me—you missed a classic. But the highlights? Totally worth watching. They're up on the NCAA site. It’s just… man, there’s nothing like March Madness. Nothing.

Duke-Houston: Score, live updates, stream for the Final Four

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