Houston defeats Gonzaga 81-76, ends Zags' season

In a highly anticipated NCAA Tournament matchup, Gonzaga faced Houston in the second round, ultimately falling 81-76 after a late comeback attempt. Houston, led by L.J. Cryer, set the tone early with aggressive play, capitalizing on Gonzaga's turnovers and securing key second-chance points. Gonzaga coach Mark Few highlighted the challenge of facing a top-seeded team like Houston, which has a strong defensive game and a history of success in the tournament. Both teams had shown impressive performances leading up to this game, with Gonzaga aiming for its 10th consecutive Sweet 16 appearance. The matchup was marked by the contrasting styles of play, with Houston's physicality against Gonzaga's high-powered offense. As the tournament continues, only one of these storied programs will maintain its streak of advancing past the second round.