TUCSON, Ariz. — Kelvin Sampson has dedicated over a decade to building a culture of discipline and uniformity at the University of Houston.
Regardless of circumstances, the Cougars maintain a consistent style of play, eschewing emotional extremes.
The results of Sampson’s philosophy are clear, reflected in the team’s accomplishments that include four consecutive Sweet 16 appearances, a trip to the Final Four, and currently dominating the Big 12 standings as the regular season nears its end.
“We do a great job of living in the moment while others get distracted,” Sampson remarked after his sixth-ranked Cougars edged No. 13 Arizona 62-58.
“This isn’t just about basketball; it’s about life skills. Focusing on what lies before you leads to better decision-making.”
It’s tough to contest the effectiveness of Sampson’s approach.
The Cougars are consistently recognized as one of the top defensive teams in the nation, characterized by their relentless play style.
Competing against them is often likened to a fierce contest on the streets.
After starting the season ranked No. 4 in the preseason AP Top 25, Houston fell in the rankings following defeats to top teams like Auburn, Alabama, and San Diego State.
However, since those setbacks, the Cougars have been nearly unbeatable.
Houston’s resilience was evident in a clutch victory against UCF, where J’Wan Roberts delivered a layup just before time expired to secure a 69-68 win on January 18.
They followed this with an astonishing double-overtime victory over No. 17 Kansas, coming back from a six-point deficit with only 18 seconds left in the first overtime.
Their only loss since December came in a tight overtime match against No. 12 Texas Tech.
“We’ve had a few lucky breaks, but win or lose, it doesn’t change how we prepare and our overall culture,” Sampson stated.
Against Arizona, Houston forged their own opportunities.
Staying true to their customary intense style, the Cougars engaged in a hard-fought defensive contest against another elite defensive program.
They trailed by seven points halfway through the second half but launched a 12-0 run to reclaim a seven-point lead, making crucial plays as the game came to a close to secure a victory in one of college basketball’s most challenging environments.
With this win, the Cougars have won 17 of their last 18 games, gaining a two-game advantage over the Wildcats in the Big 12 while extending the nation’s longest ongoing road-winning streak to 11 games.
“We performed well on defense and our rebounding was strong, but to win against Houston, you must also be sharp on offense,” remarked Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd.
Defense remains Houston’s foundation, and this season is no exception.
The Cougars lead all teams in scoring defense, allowing just 57.3 points per game, and rank sixth in field goal percentage defense at 38.1%.
They sit third in the KenPom defensive efficiency ratings, trailing only Tennessee and St. John’s.
However, Houston’s game isn’t solely reliant on defense.
They are positioned mid-pack in scoring nationally, averaging 75.8 points per game, but rank seventh in the nation for three-point shooting at 39.4% and tenth in offensive efficiency according to KenPom.
With multiple scoring threats, including four players averaging double digits in scoring, the team is not dependent on just one individual to shoulder the offensive burden.
Even when second-leading scorer Emanuel Sharp struggled without scoring against Arizona, teammates Milos Uzan and L.J. Cryer stepped up.
Uzan contributed 19 points while Cryer added 15, with both combining for 12 consecutive points during a pivotal run in the second half.
“The key was just having the self-assurance to take those shots — that’s crucial for winning on the road,” Cryer explained.
The Cougars exhibit an abundance of confidence, a trait instilled by Sampson.
