Houston’s stunning comeback: Key free throws, Duke’s collapse, and a crucial stop.

Statistics easily available to the public suggested J’Wan Roberts wasn’t the best candidate to take the most critical free throws in Houston Cougars history. Before the NCAA Final Four, he had attempted 96 free throws, converting just 60, giving him a 62.5 percent shooting rate. In Division I basketball, that’s far from impressive.

However, what’s not widely known is that ever since last year’s tournament, when Houston was eliminated by Duke after a disappointing 9-of-17 free throw performance in a tight loss, every player has been tasked with making 150 free throws daily. These efforts are tracked by the program’s managers and grad assistants and presented to head coach Kelvin Sampson for review. Was this where Roberts found his confidence? Because when Roberts stepped up to the free-throw line at the Alamodome, it was clear he had no doubt about the outcome. His one-and-one attempt was never in question, as he calmly sank both shots to give Houston a one-point lead over the favored Duke Blue Devils.