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Kelvin Sampson, Jim Nantz produce touching moment following Houston Final Four berth

Wade-Peeryby: Wade Peery03/30/25

The Houston Cougars are going back to the Final Four for the first time since 2021. And it’s certainly a special occasion for their coaches, players, and fans. One of the most prominent alumni from Houston is CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz. And when Kelvin Sampson saw Nantz watching them get their pictures on the floor after the big win, he decided to let him join in the team picture. It’s a special moment for Nantz surely, he’ll never forget it.

Nantz played college golf at Houston, where he was roommates with Fred Couples, a golfer who had one of the smoothest tempos the game has ever seen. And one of the more beloved golfers in PGA Tour history.

The Houston defense was stingy as usual on Sunday, limiting the Tennessee offense to one of their worst outputs of the year. And by a large margin. The Volunteers were averaging 74 points per game all season long, and they were stuck in the 40s with 2:58 left on Sunday. The Cougars offense also drilled some clutch three-pointers in the final few minutes to ensure there would be zero chance of a furious comeback by Tennessee.

Houston has lost only four games all season long. Sunday was their 17th victory in a row, and it came in convincing fashion against one of the best teams in the SEC. It’s the 34th win of the year for the Cougars. Tennessee got 17 points and seven rebounds from Chaz Lanier, as well as 17 points and three rebounds from Jordan Gainey in the loss.

Houston connected on 9 of 25 shots from beyond-the-arc on Sunday, good enough for 36%. Tennessee just connected on five 5 of their 29 three-pointers, hitting just 17.2% from deep. That proved to be a massive difference in the game. The Volunteers also shot poorly from the field, just connecting on 15 of 52 shots (28.8%). It’s a testament to the stingy Houston defense and the remarkable program they’ve built over the years under Kelvin Sampson.