Cougars Edge Bulldogs, Advance to Sweet 16
WICHITA, Kan. — In a напряженный contest, LJ Cryer delivered a career-best 30 points for top-seeded Houston, including two crucial free throws in the waning moments, propelling the Cougars to an 81-76 victory over eighth-seeded Gonzaga on Saturday night. This win secures Houston’s sixth consecutive appearance in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
J’Wan Roberts contributed 18 points, while Milos Uzan iced the game with two final free throws, securing the Cougars’ (32-4) 15th straight triumph. The team now advances to a regional semifinal against No. 4 seed Purdue in Indianapolis on Friday night.
Houston’s victory also brought an end to Gonzaga’s impressive streak of nine consecutive Sweet 16 appearances, previously the longest active run in the nation.
“It’s more than just securing a win,” commented Cougars coach Kelvin Sampson. “It’s about defeating a formidable program like Gonzaga.”
The Bulldogs (26-9) faced a 76-67 deficit with just over two minutes remaining when Graham Ike sank two free throws, initiating a late comeback attempt primarily fueled by fouls. Following a turnover by Uzan, Khalif Battle converted two free throws, narrowing the margin to 77-76 with 21 seconds left on the clock.
Houston strategically got the ball to Cryer, who was fouled and calmly made both free throws to extend their advantage. On the ensuing possession, Ja’Vier Francis blocked Battle’s potential game-tying three-point attempt from the corner, and Uzan sealed the Cougars’ victory with his successful free throws.
“Gonzaga is as talented as any team we’ve competed against all season,” Sampson stated. “If they had been seeded differently, they possess the capability to reach the Elite Eight, or even the Final Four. They are exceptionally good.”
Ike led the Bulldogs with 27 points, while Battle added 17, and Ryan Nembhard posted 10 points and 11 assists.
“It ultimately became a fantastic basketball game, especially considering the resilience our players showed in battling back. I’m incredibly proud of their tenacity,” remarked Gonzaga coach Mark Few. “Houston lived up to and exceeded our expectations.”
Considering both Gonzaga and Houston are among the winningest programs over the past eight seasons, their second-round matchup in the Midwest Region felt worthy of a later stage in the tournament.
Perhaps even the Final Four, where the Bulldogs and Cougars were positioned on opposite sides of the bracket in 2021.
Throughout much of the game, Houston demonstrated why they earned a No. 1 seed and Gonzaga justified their No. 8 seeding. The Cougars established their physical dominance over the traditionally strong West Coast team, while Cryer, the Big 12 Player of the Year, amassed 16 first-half points, granting Houston a 35-27 halftime lead.
Roberts, who had recently recovered from an ankle sprain sustained in last week’s conference tournament, asserted himself in the second half. The most victorious player in Cougars history effectively used his physicality to score, enabling Houston to maintain their lead.
Gonzaga mounted a final push late in the game but could not surpass Houston.
Key Game Highlights
- Defensive Prowess: Gonzaga, who averaged the second-highest scoring offense nationally at 86.7 points per game, exceeding that with 89 points in the first round, fell short against Houston’s renowned defense.
- Fresh Legs: Houston strategically rested key players during their dominant first-round victory, appearing to benefit from this fresher lineup in the crucial final minutes against Gonzaga.
Looking Ahead
The Cougars are set to face the Boilermakers in the Sweet 16, competing for a coveted spot in the Elite Eight.