Devastation Ending Costs Duke Blue Devils Championship Birth

One basket in the final 10 minutes of the contest including just two over the final 11 minutes ending a dream championship birth for the Duke Blue Devils in Houston Saturday night. The Blue Devils who led for the entirety of the game, which included leading by 6 with 30 seconds left, failed to play Duke basketball in solidifying a unimaginable championship contest against the SEC's Florida Gators Monday night.

What could go wrong over the final 30 seconds, did indeed go wrong. Turnovers, burnt timeouts, costly ball handling, and coaching all attributed to a 14-point lead, with 8 minutes being completely waisted. Throughout 34 games of the season, the Blue Devils when put into this position had very few of these instances. Why? Over the course of the tournament, Duke had above a 10 point win margin.

(Photo courtesy of Eric Gay/ Associated Press)

In conference play, the Blue Devils relinquished just a single loss at Clemson before running away with the ACC regular season championship and conference tourney championship.

Playing in the Final Four was the teams first since 2021-22 season. This 2025 Blue Devils team had all the makings of a national title contender and came one game short due to mishaps the team had prepped on all year long.

So many fingers being pointed at different instances which prompted head coach Jon Scheyer placing all blame on himself after the heartbreaking loss stating, "he takes all accountability on not having Duke in the best situation to close the deal".

(photo courtesy of Robert Deutsch)

One could imagine with 34 seconds left and clinging on a 6 point lead with Tyrese Proctor at the charity stripe to increase the margin, he would do so, but the front end of the one of one hit the rim, and Houston came down on the ensuing possession cashing in on a three starting the domino affect.

The fact that the Blue Devils were put into a position to have to play catchup in the final 10 seconds is beyond abysmal. On paper, and on the court the team had depth, guard play, coaching, perimeter shooting, veterans, height, and star power in Cooper Flagg. Yet again the Blue Devils fail to close the deal in where they were the presumed favorites to bring number 6 back to Durham. If the Blue Devils couldnt cash in with this talented squad, then when will they do so? Does this spark a fire under Coach Jon Scheyer?

(photo courtesy of Raleigh News & Observer)