Kelvin Sampson has another great team deep into march.
The Houston Basketball Program has become a juggernaut under once IU Head Coach, Kelvin Sampson.
Year in and year out it seems as if the Cougars are participating late into March Madness, similar to the Boilermakers who have now made six of the last eight Sweet 16s.
Houston vs Gonzaga went down to the wire in the round of 32, but the Cougars ultimately held on, sending another mainstay of the Sweet 16 home early.
Purdue gets to play in what should sound like Mackey Arena South.
Sadly, the game will not be at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, instead it will be down the road at Lucas Oil Stadium, as Gainbridge will spend the weekend hosting the IHSAA State Finals for Boys Hoops.
The Cougars are now 31-4 on the season and are riding a 14 game win streak into the Sweet 16, Purdue’s last opponent also held a 14 game win streak before the Boilermakers broke it.
You could argue that Houston is the best defensive team in the nation, which is something that Sampson hangs his hat on, athletic veteran leaders that can defend and harass opponents for 40 minutes.
Look no further than LJ Cryer to lead the Cougars. He leads the team in scoring and the combo guard is lethal on the defensive end as well.
The name may sound familiar, as Purdue tried to nab him in the portal a couple of seasons ago, before he ultimately chose Houston.
Not only are the Cougars elite on defense, they also shoot the 3 point ball at a 39.7% clip, good for 4th in the country, much different than McNeese State.
Led by Cryer, Houston is 5th in the country in turnovers as well, only turning the ball over 8 times per game.
There is no denying, this will be a true test for Purdue, but it is not an impossible task. Purdue will need to bring their A if it hopes to advance to the Elite 8 again.