Join Us
In the realm of basketball, the term “culture” is often overused, but no team embodies it more than the University of Houston and their coach, Kelvin Sampson. This was particularly evident in Houston’s 92-86 double-overtime victory against Kansas at Phog Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday afternoon. The Cougars displayed remarkable resilience, managing to stay composed as the game seemed to be shifting in Kansas’ favor toward the end of regulation.
With just 1:19 left in the game and Houston trailing 60-66, coach Sampson called a crucial timeout. This came after Flory Bidunga made a wide-open dunk off a perfect pass from Dajuan Harris. Out of the timeout, Houston’s point guard, Milos Uzan, made a tough floater and then played outstanding defense on Zeke Mayo, forcing the Jayhawks into a shot-clock violation. Houston, now down by just 4, still had one timeout remaining. Uzan would then hit another floater after being run off the three-point line, and with 16 seconds left, Houston called their final timeout to set up a full-court press. The press, led by Jojo Tugler’s imposing 6’7 frame and 7’6 wingspan, suffocated Kansas, leading to a 5-second violation when Zeke Mayo failed to call a timeout in time.
Houston took possession under their own basket and quickly found J’Wan Roberts in the post, who was fouled by Shakeel Moore on a careless steal attempt. Roberts calmly sank both free throws to tie the game at 66. Kansas then called a timeout with 11 seconds left, but Houston’s defense, particularly their ball-screen and on-ball pressure, forced Rylan Griffen to fumble the ball out of bounds. Emanuel Sharp’s last-second heave missed, sending the game into overtime with Houston carrying the momentum and the Kansas fans in shock.
In the overtime periods, both teams struggled with free throws, Kansas’ Rylan Griffen and Houston’s Emanuel Sharp traded crucial three-pointers. while J’Wan Roberts dominated. Kansas, up by 6 with 28 seconds left in the first overtime, allowed a deep three from Sharp and then a steal by Uzan, which led to a quick three by Mylik Wilson, tying the game again and pushing it into a second overtime. In the second overtime, Houston took full control, sticking to their defensive principles and winning nearly every 50/50 play. Mylik Wilson stepped up early, and Roberts, with a game-high 24 points, led his team to victory. Houston’s tenacity and belief in their system were on full display, encapsulating their culture of resilience and unity.
This victory solidified Houston’s position at the top of the Big 12 standings with an 8-0 record, and they now hold a remarkable 23-3 record in Big 12 Conference play since joining the league. This is the essence of Houston’s basketball culture—a team that thrives under pressure and never wavers in their commitment to their principles.