INDIANAPOLIS – In a thrilling conclusion that had fans on the edge of their seats, Milos Uzan made a lay-up with just 0.9 seconds left, propelling the Houston Cougars to a dramatic 62-60 victory over the Purdue Boilermakers in the NCAA Sweet 16 at Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday night, March 28, 2025. This nail-biting finish not only secured Houston's place in the Elite Eight but also marked their third such advancement in five years.
As the clock wound down, the tension in the arena was palpable. Sophomore forward Cam Heide had just tied the game at 60 with a crucial three-pointer, hitting it with 35 seconds remaining. The Boilermakers, who had fought hard throughout the game, seemed poised to seize the moment. Uzan, however, had other plans. After a series of missed shots from both teams, Uzan inbounded the ball to Joseph Tugler, who immediately returned it to him. With a swift move, Uzan drove to the basket for the game-winning lay-up.
Despite the loss, Purdue showcased their resilience, particularly through junior guard Fletcher Loyer, who scored 12 of the Boilermakers’ first 16 points. Loyer's three-pointer with 8:19 left in the first half tied the game at 16, and Braden Smith, the Big Ten Player of the Year, contributed significantly with a three-pointer to knot the score at 29 before halftime.
The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging leads and momentum. Smith's two free throws at the buzzer sent Purdue to the locker room with a narrow lead, setting the stage for a fierce second half.
Houston came out strong after halftime, launching an 11-1 run that gave them a 40-32 advantage. Uzan's impressive shooting continued to be a highlight, as his sixth three-pointer of the game pushed the Cougars to a 56-46 lead with just under eight minutes left. However, Purdue was not to be counted out. The Boilermakers rallied with a series of scoring plays, including a jumper from Myles Colvin and a deep three from Heide, cutting the lead to just two points with over four minutes remaining.
With the game hanging in the balance, L.J. Cryer hit a three-pointer to extend Houston's lead back to five, but Purdue responded with a dunk from Trey Kaufman-Renn and Heide's tying three-pointer, setting up a tense final minute.
As the clock ticked down, Houston's Uzan missed a turnaround jumper, and Tugler's tip-in attempt rolled off the rim. However, a crucial replay review confirmed that the ball had gone off a Purdue player, granting the Cougars one last opportunity. Uzan capitalized on the moment, sealing the victory with his decisive lay-up.
Uzan finished the game with 22 points, while Emanuel Sharp added 17. Despite a tough night for leading scorer L.J. Cryer, who managed only five points on 2-of-13 shooting, the Cougars maintained their composure under pressure. Houston has not lost since February 1, 2025, and will carry a 16-game winning streak into their next matchup.
Looking ahead, Houston will face No. 2 seed Tennessee in the Midwest Region championship on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 2:20 p.m. The Volunteers advanced after defeating Kentucky 78-65 in another Sweet 16 clash earlier in the evening.
Purdue, on the other hand, had a commendable season, finishing with a record of 24-12. Loyer led the team with 16 points, while Kaufman-Renn contributed 14. Smith's impressive performance included 15 assists, underscoring his role as a playmaker for the Boilermakers.
As the NCAA Tournament progresses, the excitement continues to build. Teams are vying for a chance at the championship, and with thrilling finishes like the one witnessed in Indianapolis, fans are in for an exhilarating ride. The Cougars, fueled by their recent success and determination, are poised to make a deep run, while Purdue will regroup and look to build on their strong performance in the next season.
With the Sweet 16 now in the books, the Elite Eight is set, and fans can expect more high-stakes action as the tournament unfolds.
