Houston Advances to Seventh Final Four in Program History

The Houston Cougars have shown formidable performance in the NCAA Tournament, securing a dominant 69-50 victory over Tennessee to advance to their seventh Final Four, aiming for their first-ever national title. Their record of 22 wins and just one loss in Big 12 play highlights their strong season, bolstered by a powerful defense and an improved offense featuring standout players like Milos Uzan and LJ Cryer. Coach Kelvin Sampson praised the maturity and leadership of his players, particularly emphasizing Cryer's pivotal role in the team's success. As they prepare to face Duke, the Cougars will rely on their defensive prowess and aim to exploit Duke's youth and inexperience. The matchup will test how well Duke can handle Houston's aggressive defense and shooting capabilities. Houston's journey reflects significant growth since their last Final Four appearance in 2021, where they fell to Baylor, the eventual champions.