How significant was Houston’s NCAA Tournament victory over Gonzaga on Saturday? Following the game, Cougars coach Kelvin Sampson shared his perspective. For much of the second half, it seemed that Houston would secure a comfortable win, holding an 11-point lead with just 2:30 left on the clock. However, a late surge by the Bulldogs cut the deficit to just a point with 21 seconds remaining. Thanks to critical late-game defense and clutch free throws, Houston ultimately triumphed.
In an on-court interview after the game, Sampson expressed his respect for Gonzaga. “Let’s stop and congratulate Mark Few and Gonzaga for what they’ve accomplished,” he stated. “They’ve been a tremendous beacon for basketball programs and coaches for a long time. There’s nobody I respect more than Mark Few, and there’s not a basketball program I respect more than Gonzaga. We beat a hell of a program tonight, which adds to the significance of our victory.”
Houston coach Kelvin Sampson had nothing but good things to say about Gonzaga.
“There’s nobody I respect more than Mark Few and there’s not a basketball program I respect more than Gonzaga.”#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/3s3s3GvZlb
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 23, 2025
This heartfelt sentiment came just moments after Sampson congratulated the Bulldogs on their season and shared a long embrace with Gonzaga senior Khalif Battle, who was visibly emotional following the defeat.
Moments earlier, while congratulating the Gonzaga players on their season, Sampson had a long embrace with Gonzaga senior Khalif Battle. pic.twitter.com/xAPLk7ayAg
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 23, 2025
