The year 2024 marked a historic moment in college basketball as the NCAA championship game featured a showdown between two powerhouse teams, the Houston Cougars and the Texas Longhorns. The matchup was highly anticipated, with both teams boasting impressive records and talented rosters.
The game itself was a thrilling display of skill and determination from both sides. The Cougars, led by their star player, dominated the first half with their sharp shooting and aggressive defense. However, the Longhorns fought back in the second half, showcasing their resilience and teamwork.
Leading 98-95 with 18 seconds left in overtime, Houston All-American Jamal Shead fouled out. He was the fourth Cougars player to foul out. So coach Kelvin Sampson turned to walk-on Ryan Elvin, a seldom-used senior. He has not played more than six minutes in a game this season and had just four free-throw attempts.
But Elvin gave the Cougars the breathing room they needed to stave off upset-minded Texas A&M, winning 100-95 to advance to the Sweet 16. He missed his first free throw but buried the second to make it a 99-95 advantage with 17 seconds remaining.
The big story, though, was the foul situation. Cryer and Ja'Vier Francis fouled out before overtime. Sharp and Shead fouled out in OT.
Duke Blue Devils on Friday night in Dallas. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:39 p.m. CT.
Head coach Buzz Williams teaches that the world will keep giving you the same test until you pass it and that’s really been the theme of this season. They will face another tough test on Sunday night when they look to move on to the Sweet 16 if they can score a passing grade over a Top 5 team in the country.
Texas A&M would try to force Houston to inbound the ball to him. His first attempt clanged off the side of the rim. But he drilled the second.
"He's built for it," Houston guard Damian Dunn said. "Don't nobody work as hard as Ryan Elvin, man. Once he went to the line, man, we knew what time it was. Happy for him to have that moment.
 Read more
CONCACAF Nations League Final : USA 2-0 Mexico James Madison Falls to Duke 93-55
Sarah H
Also on site :