WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — In a thrilling second-round matchup, the top-seeded Houston Cougars overcame the eighth-seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs with a final score of 81-76 on Saturday night, securing their position in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament for the sixth consecutive year. LJ Cryer was the standout player, matching his career high by scoring 30 points, including two vital free throws with just 14.2 seconds remaining. J’Wan Roberts also contributed significantly with 18 points, while Milos Uzan sealed the victory with two free throws of his own just 2.1 seconds from the buzzer.
This victory extended Houston's impressive winning streak to 15 games, bringing their record to 32-4 as of March 22, 2025. The matchup not only showcased Houston’s strength but also marked the end of Gonzaga’s remarkable run, which included advancing to the Sweet 16 for nine consecutive years—a record streak in the NCAA Tournament.
“It’s not just winning the game,” Cougars coach Kelvin Sampson stated post-game. “It’s beating a great program like Gonzaga.” The Bulldogs, who ended with a 26-9 record, fought valiantly, with Graham Ike leading their effort, scoring 27 points. Khalif Battle added 17 points, and Ryan Nembhard contributed with 10 points along with 11 assists.
Gonzaga was trailing 76-67 with just over two minutes to play when they began to claw their way back into contention, thanks in part to two free throws from Ike. Despite the narrowing gap, Houston’s defense held strong, with Cryer continuing to shine under pressure.
As the clock ticked down, Uzan turned the ball over, allowing Battle to make two free throws, reducing the lead to just one point at 77-76 with 21 seconds left. In a key moment, Houston managed to get the ball back to Cryer, who was fouled and converted both free throws to extend the lead back to three.
At the opposing end of the court, Ja’Vier Francis contributed defensively by stuffing Battle’s tying three-point attempt, ensuring the Cougars would hold their ground. Uzan then made his own free throws, solidifying Houston's victory.
Sampson praised Gonzaga, saying, “Gonzaga is as good as anyone we’ve played all year. Had they been seeded somewhere else, that’s a team that could have had a chance to get to the Elite Eight, or maybe the Final Four. They’re that good.”
The matchup between these two teams was seen as surprising due to their high-caliber performances over the past eight seasons—both programs have the most victories during this time span. Many observers felt that the second-round game should have taken place later in the tournament, given their historical performances.
Throughout the contest, Houston imposed its physical play on Gonzaga, effectively utilizing its depth and skill. Cryer, the Big 12 player of the year, lit up the scoreboard early on, helping Houston to a 35-27 lead at halftime. Roberts especially showcased his toughness in the second half, which was critical for maintaining Houston’s lead.
Houston’s efficiency on both ends of the court contrasted with Gonzaga’s struggles to adapt. Despite their high-octane offense that led the nation at 86.7 points per game, they couldn’t find their rhythm against Houston’s tenacious defense.
Next up, the Cougars are set to face the fourth-seeded Purdue Boilermakers on March 28, 2025, in Indianapolis, continuing their quest for a championship. Houston will aim to extend their winning streak and closer to the Elite Eight, with hopes of advancing further in the tournament.
