How do you explain the astonishing turn of events in Houston’s dramatic comeback win over Duke Saturday night? The CBS postgame show analysts faced a challenging task after the game, as Houston rallied from a 14-point deficit with eight minutes remaining, culminating in a shocking 70-67 victory, highlighted by a 9-0 run in the final 35 seconds that stunned the Blue Devils. “I just sat here and watched this happen. Doesn’t make it any more believable,” studio host Ernie Johnson remarked. “25-to-8 run to finish the game for the Houston Cougars, who were down double digits and suddenly came back as Duke went ice cold.”
Looking at analyst Jay Wright, Johnson continued, “You guys have seen a lot, but Jay, I don’t know that you’ve ever seen this.” Wright acknowledged Houston coach Kelvin Sampson’s philosophy, declaring, “He wouldn’t want it any other way; he’s going to call that a culture win.” He also praised J’Wan Roberts for his crucial defense and rebounding down the stretch, emphasizing, “That’s how Kelvin wants to win games, get stops and get rebounds.”
Kenny Smith reflected on his own time with the Houston Rockets, known as “Clutch City” during their back-to-back NBA titles in the mid-1990s, saying, “We were called ‘Clutch City.’ We will bow down and take that off. That was Clutch City. They are the new Clutch City in Houston … I have never seen a college basketball game that was decided in that factor.”
“I had already marked this one over … and Houston said no,” analyst Clark Kellogg added. “Amazing, amazing finish to this game.”
“I just sat here and watched this happen. Doesn’t make it any more believable…” – Ernie Johnson
“I had already marked this one over… Houston said no…” – Clark Kellogg
“Even though Duke had more talent, Houston had more will.” – Charles Barkley 🏀📺🎙️ pic.twitter.com/tsysyu0R93
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 6, 2025
Charles Barkley echoed what many fans likely felt while watching Houston’s comeback: the Cougars seemed to want the win more in the crucial moments. “This game to me came down to two words. Skill against will. And will won today,” Barkley stated. “This was perfect basketball. They would not give up. Kelvin Sampson, who is one of the toughest men, this team takes on his personality, and even though Duke had more talent, Houston had more will.”
