In a display of relentless defense and timely shooting, the top-seeded Houston Cougars overpowered second-seeded Tennessee 69-50 on Sunday night to win the Midwest Region and punch their ticket to the Final Four. Houston’s smothering defensive effort stifled the Volunteers, holding them to just 15 first-half points—the lowest total in an Elite Eight game since 1979—and extended the nation’s longest active winning streak to 17 games.
From the opening tip, Houston (34-4) imposed its will on Tennessee (30-8), forcing tough shots and controlling the pace. The Vols, one of the nation’s top offenses, were unable to find any rhythm, missing their first 14 three-point attempts and shooting just 6-for-28 in the first half. By the time Zakai Zeigler finally ended Tennessee’s three-point drought with 38 seconds left in the half, Houston had already built a commanding 34-15 lead.
The Vols’ shooting struggles were historic. No team seeded No. 1 or No. 2 had ever scored fewer first-half points in an NCAA Tournament game since seeding began in 1979. The halftime deficit proved insurmountable, as teams trailing by 19 or more points at the break are now a staggering 0-244 all-time in the tournament.
Houston’s offense wasn’t dominant, but it didn’t need to be. L.J. Cryer led the way with 17 points, while Emanuel Sharp took over in the second half, scoring 14 of his 16 points after the break. Sharp’s two quick three-pointers halted a brief Tennessee run and ensured that Houston’s lead never dipped into single digits.
The Cougars’ defensive excellence made the offensive effort more than enough. Tennessee’s Chaz Lanier and Jordan Gainey each scored 17 points, but the Vols’ star backcourt struggled mightily. Zeigler and Lanier combined to shoot just 5-for-27 from the field, as Houston forced difficult looks all night.
With the victory, Houston sets a new program record with 34 wins and advances to the Final Four for the seventh time in school history. Head coach Kelvin Sampson, who has built Houston into a perennial powerhouse, now has his third opportunity to reach a national championship game.
Houston last reached the title game during the Phi Slama Jama era in the 1980s, falling to N.C. State in 1983 and Georgetown in 1984. This time, they’ll have the added advantage of playing close to home. The Final Four is set for San Antonio, just a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Houston’s campus.
Awaiting Houston in the Final Four is five-time national champion Duke, led by freshman sensation Cooper Flagg. The Blue Devils have won multiple titles in Texas, including in San Antonio in 2004. For Houston, it’s another opportunity to take the next step in their championship pursuit.
As the Vols head home after another near miss in March, the Cougars are ready for one final dance—this time, with a shot at cutting down the nets.
