Duke Prepares for Final Four Showdown Against Houston

What a journey it has been for Duke fans. Now, the Blue Devils have arrived in San Antonio, ready to battle Houston in the Final Four.

After taking care of business in Raleigh with wins over Mount St. Mary’s and Baylor, fending off an Arizona comeback, and then dominating a high-powered Alabama offense by 20 in Newark, Duke (35-3) now turns its focus to a highly anticipated Final Four showdown. The Blue Devils will face Houston (34-4) in the second semifinal at the Alamodome—a matchup filled with intrigue.

Duke currently sits atop the KenPom ratings at No. 1, with Houston right behind at No. 2. Oddsmakers at FanDuel have the Blue Devils as 5.5-point favorites, with the total set at 136.5.

​This game has all the makings of an instant classic—Duke’s explosive offense and elite defense going up against a physically dominant, battle-tested Houston squad. Expect a war on the court.

Scheyer’s Success and the Ultimate Goal

Regardless of Saturday’s outcome, Jon Scheyer’s third season as Duke’s head coach has been a resounding success. In just three years, he has guided the Blue Devils to two ACC Championships, two Elite Eights, and now a Final Four appearance.

But as every Blue Devil knows—the job isn’t done. Duke has its SI6HTS set on hanging that coveted sixth national championship banner in the rafters of Cameron Indoor Stadium.

A Season to Remember

As I look ahead to what promises to be an unforgettable Final Four—featuring all four No. 1 seeds—I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey that has led Duke to this stage.

From the electric, Final Four-caliber showdown against Auburn at Cameron Indoor in November… to the hard-fought loss against Kansas in Las Vegas… to storming through the ACC with only one setback against Clemson… to sweeping rival North Carolina—not once, not twice, but three times, including in the ACC Tournament semifinals.

This season has been nothing short of special. But the mission isn’t complete. The Blue Devils now turn their focus to Houston, with a chance to punch their ticket to the national championship game.