The benefit of hindsight only further justifies the decision. In the final five minutes of second halves and in overtime games with the score within five points, Flagg's stats are as follows: 8-of-13 shooting, eight rebounds, two assists. Accounting for free throws (18-20 in such situations), he scored 36 points in those moments.

Duke was cruising toward the title game. Cooper Flagg had 27 points and the ball at the end. So how did a dream season end like this?

You can't blame the unbelievable Duke collapse in Saturday night's 2025 men's Final Four game in San Antonio on one single foul call. However, the foul call that sent Houston to the line to take the lead certainly earned some side eye from the CBS Sports broadcast (and Duke fans at home).