WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — In a dramatic second-round showdown during the NCAA Tournament on March 22, 2025, the top-seeded Houston Cougars defeated the eighth-seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs 81-76, marking the end of Gonzaga's remarkable nine-year streak of advancing to the Sweet 16. This defeat leaves Gonzaga watching from home for the first time since 2014. Houston's LJ Cryer emerged as a standout, matching his career-high by scoring 30 points, which included two pivotal free throws with just 14.2 seconds on the clock.
As the game progressed, Houston maintained control, showcasing the physical dominance that earned them the No. 1 seed in the tournament. The Cougars jumped out to an early lead, with Cryer sinking back-to-back three-pointers, quickly putting Houston ahead 10-2. By halftime, they held a commanding 35-27 lead, thanks in part to a strong defensive display and relentless rebounding, collecting 13 offensive boards that converted into crucial second-chance points.
Despite trailing throughout the contest, Gonzaga displayed resilience, cutting a severe 14-point deficit as the clock wound down. In the final two minutes, they executed an impressive 11-1 run that brought them within one point at 77-76. However, faced with the clock ticking and the urge to tie the game, Khalif Battle's crucial three-point shot was blocked by Houston's Ja’Vier Francis, sealing the Bulldogs' fate.
Houston’s path to victory was secured with the help of free throws made by Milos Uzan in the dying seconds of the game. J’Wan Roberts also contributed significantly to the Cougars' performance, scoring 18 points and showcasing the depth of Houston’s offensive strategy.
Gonzaga managed to post impressive statistics themselves, shooting 50% from the floor overall and hitting 9 of 20 from beyond the arc. Graham Ike led the Bulldogs with 27 points, while Battle added 17 alongside Ryan Nembhard's ten points and 11 assists. However, the earlier struggles during the game haunted them—Gonzaga started cold, going 0-for-7 from three-point range in the initial stretch, which allowed Houston to seize the momentum early on.
Head coach Mark Few spoke highly of Houston's capabilities, stating, “They’re what every program aspires to be, have that consistency year to year.” While Gonzaga entered the tournament with ambitions honed over a storied run—never having missed an NCAA tournament since 1998—this night brought the realization that even storied programs must face defeat.
As both teams evaluated their tournament experiences, Houston heads to face fourth-seeded Purdue in the Sweet 16 in Indianapolis. This victory not only extends the Cougars' own active Sweet 16 streak to six consecutive seasons, but it also serves as a reminder of the resilience needed in March Madness, where every game carries significant weight and the stakes get higher.
Gonzaga concluded the season with a 26-9 record, reflecting years of consistent performance, yet the final loss brings a somber end to a season filled with hope. As the program moves ahead, the challenge awaits them to regain their status and return to the Sweet 16 in the seasons to come.
