TUCSON, Ariz. — For over a decade, Kelvin Sampson has cultivated an environment of discipline and uniformity within the Houston basketball program.
Regardless of the situation, the Cougars maintain a consistent approach to their game, avoiding both euphoria and despair.
This commitment has manifested in impressive performances over the past few years, including four consecutive Sweet 16 appearances, a trip to the Final Four, and a commanding lead in the Big 12 standings with less than a month remaining in the regular season.
“We excel at staying focused on the present while others get distracted,” Sampson remarked after the Cougars achieved a hard-fought 62-58 victory against No. 13 Arizona on Saturday.
“It’s not just about basketball; it’s about life lessons. When you concentrate on what’s directly in front of you instead of worrying about the future, you tend to make wiser choices.”
Sampson’s techniques are hard to dispute.
Houston consistently ranks among the nation’s elite defensive squads, known for their relentless playing style.
Competing against them feels akin to engaging in a street fight.
Starting the season ranked No. 4 in the AP Top 25, Houston saw its ranking slip following losses to top-tier teams, including No. 1 Auburn, No. 2 Alabama, and San Diego State.
However, since those setbacks, the Cougars have nearly been unbeatable.
They pulled off a nail-biting 69-68 victory against UCF, thanks to J’Wan Roberts’ layup with just 1.1 seconds left on January 18.
Their resilience was on full display two games later when they stunned No. 17 Kansas, triumphing 92-86 in double overtime after erasing a six-point deficit with only 18 seconds remaining in the first overtime.
Since December, Houston’s only loss came in a close overtime game against No. 12 Texas Tech.
“We’ve been fortunate at times, but whether we win or lose, it doesn’t impact our preparation or the culture of our team,” Sampson noted.
Against Arizona, the Cougars dictated the pace of play while blending their characteristic gritty defense with mental toughness.
Initially trailing by seven midway through the second half, they embarked on a 12-0 scoring spree to take a seven-point lead, ultimately making essential plays down the stretch to secure victory at one of college basketball’s most challenging venues.
Now, Houston has won 17 out of 18 games and enjoys a two-game lead over the Wildcats in the Big 12, extending the nation’s longest active road-winning streak to 11 games.
“We managed to perform well enough defensively and rebounded effectively to win,” acknowledged Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd.
“But executing on offense is easier said than done when facing Houston.”
The Cougars’ success has been largely predicated on their defense, a trend that continues this season as they lead the nation in scoring defense, relinquishing only 57.3 points per game.
Additionally, they sit sixth in field goal percentage allowed at 38.1% and rank third in KenPom’s defensive efficiency ratings behind No. 4 Tennessee and No. 8 St. John’s.
Despite their defensive prowess, the Cougars also exhibit offensive talent.
They rank in the middle tier for scoring, averaging 75.8 points per game, but excel in 3-point shooting, ranking seventh nationally at 39.4%, and tenth in offensive efficiency according to KenPom.
With four players scoring at least in double figures, Houston demonstrates versatility and does not depend on just one key player.
Second-leading scorer Emanuel Sharp struggled with his shooting against Arizona, going scoreless by missing all six attempts.
Nevertheless, Milos Uzan and L.J. Cryer stepped up; Uzan delivered 19 points while Cryer added 15, with the duo contributing 12 consecutive points during a critical second-half surge.
“The key is having the confidence to take the shot; that’s essential for winning on the road,” Cryer stated.
Clearly, confidence is abundant within the team, a testament to Sampson’s leadership.
