No. 1 seed Houston is headed to the Final Four for the second time in the past five seasons after imposing its will on No. 2 seed Tennessee for a 69-50 win in the Elite Eight on Sunday. The Cougars used a masterful defensive effort to build a 22-point first half lead and then held on late for their 17th consecutive victory.

Houston's stifling early defense allows it to withstand a tepid offensive performance (42.4% shooting, 36.0% 3-pointers). L.J. Cryer scores 17 points with 7 rebounds and 4 assists, and Emanual Sharp has 16 points,

Houston’s relentless defense confused and harassed Tennessee and carried the Cougars into their seventh Final Four and first since 2021.