Indianapolis, IN — March 28, 2025 — In a dramatic Sweet 16 encounter at Lucas Oil Stadium, the No. 1 seed Houston Cougars narrowly defeated the No. 4 seed Purdue Boilermakers with a final score of 62-60. The game culminated in a last-second layup by Houston’s sophomore guard Milos Uzan, propelling the Cougars into the Elite Eight.
Game Highlights
Houston led by as many as 10 points in the second half, but Purdue mounted a resilient comeback. With just over 30 seconds remaining, Purdue’s Camden Heide sank a corner three-pointer to tie the game at 60-60. In the final possession, Houston executed a precise inbounds play, allowing Uzan to drive uncontested to the basket and score the game-winning layup with 0.9 seconds left on the clock.
Key Player Performances
- Milos Uzan (Houston): Delivered a career-high 22 points, including six three-pointers, and the decisive layup in the final second.
- Emanuel Sharp (Houston): Contributed 17 points, playing a crucial role in maintaining Houston’s offensive momentum.
- Camden Heide (Purdue): Scored critical points during Purdue’s late-game surge, including the game-tying three-pointer.
Statistical Overview
- Field Goal Percentage: Houston shot 37.7%, while Purdue managed 40.4%.
- Three-Point Shooting: Houston achieved a 39.1% success rate from beyond the arc, compared to Purdue’s 29.6%.
- Rebounding: Houston outrebounded Purdue 38 to 29, leading to a significant advantage in second-chance points.
Coaching Strategies
Houston’s head coach Kelvin Sampson’s strategic acumen was evident in the final play design, which led to Uzan’s game-winning basket. The Cougars’ defensive adjustments in the second half effectively contained Purdue’s offensive threats, particularly in the closing minutes.
Post-Game Reactions
Coach Sampson praised his team’s resilience, stating, “Our guys showed tremendous heart and executed when it mattered most.” Purdue’s head coach acknowledged the hard-fought nature of the game and expressed pride in his team’s effort despite the narrow loss.
Upcoming Matchup
The Houston Cougars advance to the Elite Eight, where they will face the No. 2 seed Tennessee Volunteers on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Tennessee secured their spot by defeating the No. 3 seed Kentucky Wildcats earlier in the evening.
