Wichita, Kan. — LJ Cryer showcased an impressive performance by equaling his career-high with 30 points, including two pivotal free throws with just 14.2 seconds remaining, guiding the No. 1 seed Houston to a nerve-wracking 81-76 victory over eighth-seeded Gonzaga on Saturday night. This win advanced them to the Sweet 16 for the sixth consecutive NCAA Tournament.
J’Wan Roberts contributed significantly with 18 points, while Milos Uzan made two crucial free throws with only 2.1 seconds on the clock, ensuring the Cougars’ (32-4) 15th straight win. This triumph secured their position in the regional semifinal against the No. 4 seed Purdue scheduled for Friday night in Indianapolis.
In a critical outcome, Houston ended Gonzaga’s nine consecutive Sweet 16 appearances, which was previously the longest active streak in the nation. “It’s not just winning the game,” explained Cougars’ coach Kelvin Sampson. “It’s beating a great program like Gonzaga.”
The Bulldogs (26-9) found themselves trailing 76-67 with over two minutes to play. Graham Ike made two successful free throws, sparking a comeback effort that predominantly unfolded at the foul line. As Uzan committed a turnover, and Khalif Battle sank two free throws, the Bulldogs closed the gap to 77-76 with 21 seconds left.
Houston responded by getting the ball to Cryer, who was fouled and adeptly converted both free throws to expand the lead. On the defensive end, Ja’Vier Francis blocked Battle’s potential tying 3-point attempt, and Uzan’s foul shots sealed Houston’s win.
“Gonzaga is as good as anyone we’ve played all year,” remarked Sampson. “Had they been seeded somewhere else, that’s a team that could have contended for the Elite Eight, or even the Final Four. They’re that capable.”
Ike led the scoring for the Bulldogs with 27 points, while Battle added 17, and Ryan Nembhard contributed 10 points along with 11 assists. Gonzaga’s coach Mark Few expressed his pride in his players, stating, “It ended up being just a great, great basketball game, especially the way our guys fought their way back into it. I’m so proud of the way they hung with it. Houston was everything and more than we thought it would be.”
Given both teams’ remarkable success over the past eight seasons, their Midwest Region second-round clash felt destined for a deeper stage, like the second weekend or even the Final Four, where they previously met in 2021.
Throughout much of the game, Houston proved why they earned the No. 1 seed, with Gonzaga holding its own at No. 8. The Cougars demonstrated their physical prowess against Gonzaga, the perennial West Coast powerhouse, with Cryer — the Big 12 Player of the Year — scoring 16 first-half points to give Houston a 35-27 edge at halftime.
Roberts, overcoming an ankle sprain from the previous week’s conference tournament, took command in the second half. As the player with the most wins in Cougars history, he efficiently scored, helping Houston maintain its lead. Despite a late surge from Gonzaga, the Bulldogs were unable to surpass them.
A few takeaways from the match include Gonzaga’s inability to maintain their average scoring; they ranked second nationally at 86.7 points per game and exceeded this in their commanding win over Georgia in the opening round. However, they fell short against Houston’s formidable defense. Meanwhile, Houston enjoyed the benefit of fresh legs after resting key players during a decisive victory over SIU Edwardsville on Thursday, which cushioned their efforts in the final match minutes on Saturday against Gonzaga.
Looking ahead, Houston is set to challenge Purdue’s Boilermakers for a coveted spot in the Elite Eight.