Referee Controversy Erupts After No-Call on Flagg in Duke’s Defeat to Houston
Duke’s season came to a painful end in a hard-fought loss to Houston, but the aftermath of the game has been dominated by controversy surrounding a crucial no-call involving star freshman Cooper Flagg. With Duke trailing late in the second half, Flagg drove to the basket and appeared to absorb heavy contact from a Houston defender. Despite visible arm-to-arm contact and Flagg hitting the deck, the officials let play continue without a whistle — a moment that immediately drew outrage from fans, analysts, and former players alike.
The incident happened with just under two minutes remaining, when Duke was within a single possession. Flagg, known for his aggressive drives and ability to finish through contact, made a strong move to the rim and was clearly impeded mid-air. Many expected a foul call that would send the freshman to the line with a chance to tie or even take the lead. Instead, play moved on, and Houston capitalized on the transition, hitting a backbreaking three that shifted momentum permanently.
Social media lit up with reactions questioning how the referees could miss such an obvious foul. ESPN analyst Jay Bilas, a former Duke player himself, called it “a missed call at a pivotal moment,” while others accused the officiating crew of inconsistency throughout the game. Duke head coach Jon Scheyer was visibly frustrated on the sidelines but remained composed in the post-game press conference. “We’re not going to blame the loss on officiating,” he said. “But I think there were some moments that deserve a second look.”
Flagg, who has been the face of Duke’s young core all season, kept his composure despite the heartbreak. “You always want the game to be decided by the players on the floor,” he said. “That’s all I’ll say.”
This latest controversy adds to the growing debate about officiating standards in high-stakes college basketball matchups. With millions watching and careers on the line, one missed call can tilt the balance. For Duke, it’s a bitter way to end what was a promising season. For Flagg, it’s a moment that will sting — not because of a lack of effort, but because of what might have been if the whistle had blown.
The NCAA has yet to release any official statement on the matter.
