The dream of another national title slipped through Duke’s fingers Saturday night in San Antonio. The Blue Devils held a 14-point lead with just over eight minutes remaining. Then came the turn. Houston mounted a comeback and pulled out a 70–67 win, advancing to face Florida in Monday’s national championship game.
Duke had one last chance but couldn’t get off a clean shot. Just like that, the Blue Devils were out. And the world was left wondering how it happened. But no one seemed more heartbroken than actor and Duke superfan Ken Jeong.
Ken Jeong Left in Disbelief as Blue Devils Fall
March Madness always delivers, but for Jeong, a longtime Duke diehard, this one hit differently. After the game, Jeong said, “This doesn’t even feel real right now.”
That sentiment was understandable. Just a year ago, Duke had knocked Houston out in the Sweet 16. But this time, it was the Cougars with the final word.
Duke diehard fan Ken Jeong after the loss:
“This doesn’t even feel real right now.” pic.twitter.com/Y6cmtWAYjL
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 6, 2025
Duke led by double digits with eight minutes to go and was still ahead by six in the final minute. But Houston stormed back behind LJ Cryer’s 26 points and clutch free throws from J’Wan Roberts. Few saw it coming—including Jeong.
To call Ken Jeong a Duke fan is an understatement. “I went to Duke. I am Duke,” he once declared on national television. Watching his Blue Devils fall apart in real time was tough to process.
Jeong, best known for his roles in The Hangover and Community, is a proud Duke alum. He began pursuing entertainment while on campus, balancing comedy with pre-med coursework. His fandom has never wavered.
This season alone, Jeong has followed the team closely. He was courtside for Duke’s March 1 game against Florida State—where he even participated in a halftime free-throw contest.
He traveled to Las Vegas for the matchup with Kansas and was seen with Coach Mike Krzyzewski. He was also at the broadcaster’s table ahead of the Sweet 16 game against Alabama.
So for someone who has been with Duke through it all, this one stung. The Blue Devils looked ready to move on. Cooper Flagg had the crowd buzzing. But then LJ Cryer sank back-to-back threes, and J’Wan Roberts delivered the finishing blow. Duke never got off a final shot.
Just like that, Duke’s season ended.
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The Blue Devils’ fan section sat silent, while Houston fans erupted. It was a March Madness finish—but not the kind Duke Nation hoped for.
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