Hundreds of fans filled downtown as Houston beat Tennessee 69-50 in Sunday’s Elite Eight matchup.
HOUSTON — Whose house? Coogs’ house!
That was one of several cheers that echoed through Avenida Plaza Sunday at a watch party supporting the University of Houston Cougars. Houston beat Tennessee 69-50 to punch their ticket to the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament.
Hundreds of Coogs fans, primarily made up of UH students and UH alumni, filled Avenida Plaza. The energy was electric throughout the whole game, but nothing compared to the excitement fans felt once the victory was made official.
“Words can’t even imagine like how I’m feeling right now. Like, I never would have expected in a matter of two years, I would experience something like this,” UH sophomore Jordan Smith said.
UH graduate Monique Alexander did a little victory dance once the clock ran out. She said she felt so proud of the team.
“I feel very, very excited. I’m glad they’re going to San Antonio. They deserve this so, so much,” Alexander said. “This has been a great season. I’m so happy for Coach Sampson and these guys, because they really deserve it.”
Alexander said she plans to head to San Antonio to watch the Coogs take on Duke in what is sure to be an epic Final Four showdown.
“I’ll be volunteering and also cheering my Cougars on!” Alexander cheered.
Saturday’s game will be the Coogs’s seventh Final Four appearance and their first since 2021.
Every fan told KHOU 11 that they are hoping not only for a victory against Duke on Saturday but for the Coogs to go all the way and win the national championship.