The NCAA Final Four matchup between Duke and Houston became the center of controversy following a late-game incident involving star player Cooper Flagg. The game, which saw Houston stage a remarkable comeback to win 70-67, was marred by a questionable foul call against Flagg, prompting outrage from NBA stars and fans alike.

With just 19.6 seconds remaining, Duke was clinging to a one-point lead when a foul was called on Flagg as he contested a rebound with Houston's J’Wan Roberts. The call left many puzzled, including CBS analyst Bill Raftery, who suggested it should have been a "play on" due to the minimal contact involved. The foul allowed Roberts to sink both free throws, giving Houston a critical one-point lead.

Flagg, who had been instrumental in Duke's performance throughout the tournament, scoring 27 points in this game, found himself in disbelief following the call. His missed jumper on the subsequent possession sealed Duke's fate, ending their hopes of reaching the national championship game.

The fallout from the incident was immediate, with numerous NBA players taking to social media to express their frustration. Lakers guard Austin Reaves tweeted, “I’m f**ing hot, don’t text me or call me,” capturing the sentiment of many who felt the officiating had dramatically affected the game’s outcome. Pacers player Tyrese Haliburton also chimed in, calling the foul "trash," while former Duke star Paolo Banchero echoed the disappointment with a simple but poignant tweet, “dawg that hurts.”

The incident has sparked a wider conversation about officiating in college basketball, especially as fans and players alike question the consistency and impact of such critical calls in high-stakes situations. As Houston celebrated their comeback victory, the debate surrounding the officiating and its implications for Duke, particularly for Flagg, continued to dominate discussions in the basketball community.

In the end, this thrilling Final Four clash will be remembered not just for the on-court action, but for the controversy that unfolded, leaving many to wonder how different the outcome might have been without that pivotal foul call.