In the aftermath of a dramatic 2025 NCAA Final Four matchup between Duke and Houston, officials are under fire for a controversial foul called on Duke’s star freshman, Cooper Flagg. The call occurred late in the game, with just 25 seconds remaining, and played a pivotal role in the outcome of the contest, which saw Houston snatch a 70-67 victory and a spot in the national championship game.
The controversy centers on a foul assessed against Flagg during a rebound attempt against Houston’s J’Wan Roberts. With the Blue Devils holding a one-point lead, Flagg was called for an “over the back” foul after seemingly battling for position under the basket. The subsequent free throws by Roberts gave Houston the lead, which they would not relinquish, sparking outrage from Duke fans and analysts alike.
Critics, including former players and commentators, have labeled the call as “horrible” and questioned its timing. CBS analyst Bill Raftery, known for his thoughtful commentary, expressed concern that such a significant foul call could have been avoided in such a high-pressure situation. Duke alum and NBA star Grant Hill also weighed in, acknowledging that the foul could have gone either way but suggesting that the referees might have been too quick to make the decision. Hill remarked, “It was a tough call in that moment. It’s one of those situations where you wish the refs had let the players decide it on the court.”
The call, while undoubtedly a key moment in the game, has sparked broader discussions about officiating in high-stakes basketball games. This is not the first time controversial calls have marred March Madness; fans pointed to a similar incident in last year’s Final Four, where a questionable call against UConn led to major backlash. The discussion surrounding officiating tends to heighten during such high-profile games, with many feeling that the outcome of a game should be decided by the players, not the officials.
For Duke, the foul call was compounded by their offensive struggles late in the game. After Flagg’s foul, the Blue Devils failed to execute effectively in the final moments, with Flagg missing a potential game-winning shot in the closing seconds. The freshman phenom had carried Duke for much of the game, scoring a game-high 27 points, but was unable to deliver when it mattered most.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, while expressing disappointment with the call, noted that the team’s performance throughout the game ultimately led to their defeat. “There were other moments in the game where we had chances to extend our lead or close it out,” Scheyer said. “We can’t blame the officials for everything. We just didn’t finish when we needed to.”
Despite the loss, Flagg’s remarkable performance and his future NBA prospects continue to be a focal point. However, the lingering questions about the officiating will likely continue to dominate conversations as fans, players, and analysts continue to dissect the game.
The controversy over the Cooper Flagg foul has once again highlighted the passionate debates surrounding officiating in college basketball, especially when it involves decisions that directly impact the outcome of the game. As the Houston Cougars prepare for the national championship game against Florida, the discussion surrounding the referees’ role in such a pivotal moment is sure to remain a talking point for weeks to come.
