Houston Cougars Advance to Elite Eight with Last-Second Victory Against Purdue
INDIANAPOLIS — In a memorable Sweet 16 showdown, the Houston Cougars triumphed over the Purdue Boilermakers with a 62-60 win, driven by a spectacular last-second play executed by head coach Kelvin Sampson’s squad.
Decisive Play in the Final Seconds
With just 2.8 seconds on the clock and the score tied, Houston’s strategy came to fruition. Cougars guard Milos Uzan initiated the decisive play by inbounding to forward Joseph Tugler, who quickly recognized an opportunity when he noticed Purdue’s Braden Smith had left Uzan unguarded.
Tugler passed the ball back to Uzan, who made a seamless drive to the basket and scored, sealing Houston’s victory and securing their place in the Elite Eight against No. 2 Tennessee.
A Night of Stellar Performances
Uzan’s game concluded with a personal high of 22 points, marking a significant achievement in a high-pressure scenario.
“That was beautiful,” Uzan remarked, reflecting on the successful execution of the play. “Especially in a moment like this, Sweet 16 to go to the Elite Eight.”
Game Dynamics
Despite holding a 10-point lead with under eight minutes remaining, Houston experienced a tense finish as Purdue tied the game following a last-minute three-pointer from Camden Heide.
Smith’s impressive 15 assists were pivotal, even as the Cougars faced challenges in their shooting, finishing the game with a shooting percentage of just 38%.
Strategic Decisions Reap Rewards
The winning play was not part of the original plan. Initially, the coaching staff considered a lob pass, but Kelvin Sampson, affectionately known as “Chief,” suggested a different approach that capitalized on Uzan’s and Tugler’s quick instincts.
By successfully executing a screen, Tugler maneuvered to create space, allowing Uzan to receive the ball with no defenders in his vicinity. Tugler highlighted, “It was an instinct play. I trusted myself and I trusted [Uzan].”
Coaching Insight
Assistant coach Kellen Sampson praised Tugler’s streetball roots, crediting his instinct and adaptability as essential elements that contributed to the success of the crucial play.
Kelvin Sampson added, “Once Jo slipped down from his screen, I was concerned about Uzan watching instead of being involved in the play, but he moved decisively.”
Looking Ahead
With this win, the Houston Cougars are set to face Tennessee in the upcoming Elite Eight, continuing what has already been an impressive tournament run. For a program that has seen consistent success in recent years, this moment will be remembered as a standout in their journey.