Houston Cougars to Play Sweet 16 Close to Campus

Head coach Kelvin Sampson excited for home-court advantage in NCAA Tournament

Mar. 22, 2026 at 2:34am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Houston Cougars, led by head coach Kelvin Sampson, have advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Sampson expressed his excitement about the team being able to play their next games close to their campus, noting that it's a rare opportunity they haven't had in past tournament runs to the Elite Eight and Final Four.

Why it matters

Houston has emerged as a national powerhouse under Sampson's leadership, making the Sweet 16 for the seventh time in eight years. Playing close to home could provide a significant advantage as they look to make a deep tournament run and compete for a national championship.

The details

In their latest win over Texas A&M, four Houston players scored in double figures, led by Emanuel Sharp's 18 points. The Cougars finished the regular season with a 30-6 record and an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, cementing their status as a top contender.

  • The Houston Cougars defeated Texas A&M on Saturday to advance to the Sweet 16.
  • The Cougars will play their next tournament game next week.

The players

Kelvin Sampson

The head coach of the Houston Cougars, who has led the team to the Sweet 16 for the seventh time in eight years.

Emanuel Sharp

A Houston player who led the team with 18 points and 4 rebounds in the win over Texas A&M.

Chris Cenac Jr.

A Houston player who scored 17 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in the win over Texas A&M.

Milos Uzan

A Houston player who scored 15 points and had 4 assists in the win over Texas A&M.

Mercy Miller

A Houston player who scored 12 points and had 3 rebounds in the win over Texas A&M.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There's going to be enough people talking about that we've been to Elite Eights and Final Fours, and it wasn't on our campus. I don't know who we're gonna wind up playing, but whoever we're playing could care less about that. Matter of fact, they'll use it against us. Our focus is on beyond playing Cougar basketball, not where we're at.”

— Kelvin Sampson, Head Coach, Houston Cougars

What’s next

The Houston Cougars will face the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament next week.

The takeaway

Houston's deep tournament run and ability to host games close to their campus highlights the program's rise to national prominence under Kelvin Sampson. The Cougars will look to capitalize on this home-court advantage as they continue their quest for a national championship.