WICHITA, Kan. – In a thrilling encounter in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, top-seeded Houston edged past eighth-seeded Gonzaga with a score of 81-76, cementing their place in the Sweet 16 for the sixth consecutive year. This victory not only extends Houston's current winning streak to 15 games but also ends Gonzaga's impressive run of nine straight appearances in the Sweet 16. Houston’s LJ Cryer led the charge with a career-high 30 points, while Gonzaga's Graham Ike showcased his talent with a commanding performance that featured 27 points.
The game, which took place on March 22, 2025, at the INTRUST Bank Arena, was a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Gonzaga, facing a steep challenge, trailed by a significant margin in the final minutes. As the clock wound down, they found themselves down 76-67 with just over two minutes left. However, Ike sparked a comeback, making two critical free throws that ignited a late-game rally.
“It took great adversity and great fight,” Ike said after the game. “Special group to be a part of this game with. As a collective, we fought and it showed. A couple of key things on a couple of possessions and this game is ours. But we fought, that’s one thing we did do.”
Despite their valiant effort, Gonzaga ultimately fell short. Cryer’s performance was notably instrumental in holding off the Bulldogs in the closing stages. After Ike trimmed the lead to 76-72 with an and-one play, the pressure intensified. Gonzaga's Khalif Battle made two free throws, bringing the score to a nail-biting 77-76. However, in a crucial play, Ja'Vier Francis blocked Battle's attempt to tie the game with a 3-pointer, and Houston's Milos Uzan sealed the win with two free throws just seconds before the final buzzer.
“He was spectacular,” said Gonzaga’s coach Mark Few, reflecting on Ike's performance. “When you get 27 points on Houston with the bigs that they have, I mean, are you kidding me? Nobody has done that to them.” Ike was not just a scoring machine; he also played solid defense, securing five rebounds, further demonstrating his all-around skill on the court.
Houston's success this season solidifies their status as a powerhouse in college basketball. Their stellar record of 32-4 not only exemplifies their dominance but also sets them up for a regional semifinal clash against Purdue next Friday.
Meanwhile, Gonzaga's season ends with a commendable record of 26-9. The Bulldogs were just short of extending their Sweet 16 streak, a feat they had maintained for nearly a decade.
In a post-game interview, Ike reflected on the journey his team had taken and how it felt to come so close to achieving their goal. “I haven’t even thought about it,” he said, when asked about his future plans. “Just still enjoying this moment and being with this group.” His focus remains on the game and his teammates rather than on decisions about his future.
The matchup was not solely about individual talents; it was a battle of teamwork and strategy. Houston executed their game plan, effectively disrupting Gonzaga's rhythm, particularly in the first half where Ike seemed relatively quiet, scoring only four points. In the second half, however, he exploded, securing 23 of his 27 points, showcasing a ferocious will to win.
J'Wan Roberts also made significant contributions for Houston, adding 18 points to the scoreboard. His and Cryer's combined efforts were enough to propel Houston past a formidable Gonzaga team that refused to back down easily.
Beyond the scoreline, the game highlighted the intensity of March Madness. The bracket system ensures that anything can change at any moment, and this game epitomized that unpredictability. The resilience shown by both teams was commendable, encapsulating the spirit of college basketball.
After a season filled with anticipation and excitement, fans can look forward to Houston continuing their journey. With their sights set on a national title, they face Purdue next, while Gonzaga reflects on a season that filled the scoreboard and left lasting memories.
In the aftermath, this matchup serves as a reminder of the greatness of college basketball, where heart, skill, and strategy converge to create moments that can define a career. Both teams will undoubtedly carry the memories of this game forward into future seasons, whether celebrating victories or learning from losses.
