America loses as Duke wins as fans react to an insane Sweet 16 game against Houston

Well, America does not win today as Duke wins in the Sweet 16 against 1-seed Houston and moves on to their first Elite Eight under head coach Jon Scheyer. It was close throughout the entire game with Duke's largest lead being six points and Houston's being eight points.

This was exactly what a Sweet 16 game should be, a nail-biter that takes fans to the final buzzer. In the final minutes of the game it seemed as though every time the Cougars made a move to come with one or two points of the Blue Devils, Duke was able to hit a clutch shot to keep a two-possession lead.

It is tough for Houston fans to find the silver lining in this game as the Cougars lost their leading scorer Jamal Shead early to an apparent ankle injury. It looks as though Shead was going to give it a go after halftime but never came off the bench for the Cougars.

Fans sit wondering what could have been had Shead not gotten hurt. This one stings for Houston fans and it shows on social media. Here are some of the saddest, but also thankful reactions fans had on X (formally known as Twitter).

If you know a Houston Cougars fan, you might want to check on them, they deserve all our love and support in this difficult time. It is hard to lose in March Madness, but it is even worse when you are a 1-seed upset by a 4-seed and that 4-seed if the ever-hated Duke.

There is always hope for next season! After a fantastic first season in one of if not the most difficult conferences, the Big 12, Houston showed they can truly run with the big dogs.

Houston will constantly think "what if" until they get on the court next season. It is tough to see such a great player get injured but unfortunately, that is how the game goes. The Cougars still took this game down to the wire, just didn't have enough firepower to finish it out.

Duke is the reason we can't have nice things.

Game respects game, you may not like Duke, but you have to respect how their players treated the injured Shead after a big win.

All love for Houston after a heartbreaking loss. It is tough to lose your best player so early in the game, but they continued to play their hearts out. No malice so far on social media, all love for Houston and especially love and respect for Jamal Shead.