After leading comfortably for a majority of the second half, Houston staved off a late run from (8) Gonzaga, securing a 81-76 win to advance to the Sweet 16. The Cougars protected the basketball well, racking up 19 assists compared to just seven turnovers while also shooting a scorching 50 percent from deep.
L.J. Cryer was sensational, finishing with 30 points on 6-11 3-point shooting. Joseph Tugler also added 10 points and 11 boards.