Houston Advances to Sweet 16, Defeats Gonzaga 81-76

The No. 1 seed Houston Cougars triumphed over the No. 8 seed Gonzaga Bulldogs with a score of 81-76, securing their spot in the Sweet 16 for the sixth consecutive NCAA Tournament. LJ Cryer led Houston with a career-high 30 points, including crucial free throws in the final moments, while J'Wan Roberts contributed 18 points. Despite trailing by as much as 14 points, Gonzaga made a valiant effort to close the gap late in the game, pulling within one point before Houston sealed the victory with free throws. This win also ended Gonzaga's impressive streak of nine straight Sweet 16 appearances, the longest in the nation. Houston's defense was notable, particularly with Ja'Vier Francis blocking a potential game-tying shot from Gonzaga's Khalif Battle. The Cougars will face Purdue next in their regional semifinal match-up.