Top-seeded Houston showcased its relentless defense and sharp shooting to defeat second-seeded Tennessee 69-50 on Sunday, securing the Midwest Region title and their seventh trip to the Final Four.
L.J. Cryer led the Cougars with 17 points, while Emanuel Sharp came through in the second half, scoring 14 of his 16 points. Houston’s defense, known as the nation’s stingiest, held Tennessee to just 15 points in the first half — the fewest in an Elite Eight game since 1979.
The win marked Houston’s first Final Four appearance since 2021, breaking a two-year streak of Sweet 16 exits as a No. 1 seed. Coach Kelvin Sampson’s team extended its active winning streak to 17 games and now heads to San Antonio to face Cooper Flagg and Duke.
Despite Tennessee’s Chaz Lanier and Jordan Gainey each scoring 17 points, the Volunteers struggled with shooting, finishing just 6 of 28 in the first half. Tennessee was never able to recover after the Cougars built a commanding 19-point halftime lead.
Houston’s defense dominated throughout, limiting Tennessee’s top scorers and forcing missed shots. After the break, the Cougars extended their lead back to 17 points, sealing the game despite Tennessee’s attempts to make a comeback.
As Houston celebrates their return to the Final Four, they’ll look to continue their dominant run next Saturday.
