Houston Cougars Advance to Sweet 16
The University of Houston Cougars have secured a spot in the Sweet 16 for the sixth consecutive year after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs 81-76 in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament.
A Thrilling Matchup
The game, which took place on Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Wichita, Kansas, saw LJ Cryer match his career high with 30 points, including two crucial free throws with 14.2 seconds left. J’Wan Roberts added 18 points, and Milos Uzan made two last free throws with 2.1 seconds left to give the Cougars their 15th consecutive win.
Ending Gonzaga’s Streak
The win marked the end of Gonzaga’s impressive run of nine straight Sweet 16 appearances, which was the longest active streak in the nation. The Bulldogs, led by Graham Ike with 27 points and Khalif Battle with 17 points, put up a good fight but ultimately fell short.
A Game of Comebacks
Gonzaga trailed 76-67 with just over 2 minutes to go but managed to mount a comeback, mostly from the foul line. However, when it mattered most, Houston’s Cryer was fouled and made both of his free throws to extend the lead. Ja’Vier Francis then blocked Battle’s tying 3-point attempt, and Uzan sealed the win with his foul shots.
Dominant Performance
For much of the game, Houston looked every bit deserving of its No. 1 seed, asserting its physical dominance over the perennial West Coast Conference power. Cryer, the Big 12 player of the year, poured in 16 first-half points to give Houston a 35-27 lead at the break. Roberts, who had sprained his ankle in the previous week’s conference tournament, took over in the second half, bullying his way to five baskets in the first six minutes to help the Cougars maintain their lead.
What’s Next
The Cougars will now face fourth-seeded Purdue on Friday night in Indianapolis in the regional semifinal. Given that no program has won more games than Gonzaga and Houston over the past eight seasons, this matchup promises to be an exciting one.
Conclusion
The University of Houston Cougars have proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA tournament, with their sixth consecutive Sweet 16 appearance. With their dominant performance against Gonzaga, they have shown that they have the skills and determination to go all the way. As they prepare to face Purdue, fans can expect an intense and thrilling matchup that will keep them on the edge of their seats.
