Kelvin Sampson Challenges Houston After Narrow Win Against Syracuse
Kelvin Sampson addressed Houston’s recent performance following a narrow victory over Syracuse, emphasizing the need for focus and improvement. The Cougars secured a tense 78-74 overtime win against the Orange at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, despite holding a substantial lead that they nearly squandered in the closing minutes.
Houston’s Ongoing Challenges
Post-game, Sampson acknowledged the struggles exhibited by his team. “We’re not good enough to look ahead,” he commented, highlighting a significant disparity from previous seasons. He indicated that the current squad’s inconsistency is a concern, stating, “Some days we’re better than others.” Houston’s poor execution was on display, as they only managed 36% of their field goal attempts and committed 13 turnovers.
Standout Performances
- Milos Uzan: 26 points
- Emanuel Sharp: 26 points
Despite these solid performances from Uzan and Sharp, Houston struggled to maintain control against a Syracuse team that was missing its leading scorer, Donnie Freeman, due to a lower-body injury. The Orange fought back with an impressive 11-0 run late in the game, pushing the contest into overtime.
Reflection on the Game
Sampson expressed frustration, particularly at his team’s silly mistakes, remarking on the difficulty of defeating strong teams under such circumstances. He briefly shifted focus to commend Syracuse, crediting coach Adrian Autry and praising the hard work of his players.
The Road Ahead for Houston
Looking ahead, Houston faces Tennessee in a highly anticipated matchup, which is a rematch of last year’s Elite Eight game that Houston won 69-50. This upcoming game is pivotal for Houston’s trajectory this season, with potential implications for their standings come Selection Sunday.
“One thing about all the teams here,” Sampson noted, “whether you play good or you don’t play good, those experiences are important.” The Cougars must learn how to secure wins even when they do not perform at their best as they look to grow throughout the season.
