What a tough loss, these games are so hard to even get to and then to lose it like that......................dam, dam, dam, dam. The last 2 minutes seemed like it took an hour and NOTHING went right. So proud of these young men but dam I am still pissed
This is not hindsight. I said they should have hacked a big when they were up by ~ 10 pts. That one kid from FL hit pure backboard on both of his attempts. And the other tall one was nearly as bad although he caught rim on his. We all know what Kelvin has done for this program and for its reputational resurgence on the National stage. For that, he deserves ultimate reverence from the University and the Basketball program. That said, he got outcoached in the 2nd half: - down to 1 T.O. with 10 mins left - gave up 3 outstanding post-timeout scores to Florida on well designed on executed plays - went 0-4 down the stretch on his calls despite having the benefit of multiple stoppages from ball reviews, etc - Did not hack a big while up 10 with a 22% FT shooter in the game (yes, 22%! he's 2-11 on the season) This all sucks for the kids, the School, and the City. Deflating but only if you realize this is UH's new standard. In the long run that's invaluable.
That bricklaying competition in the first half really bit us in the end. Florida was absolutely rattled and we could not convert. Some of the worst shooting I've ever seen. Felt like the elite 8 vs nova or game 7 in 2018.
Spot on! The shooting was abysmal. Both teams appeared overwhelmed by the moment. I thought our BIGS played valiantly except Roberts who missed critical shots. Our guards significantly underperformed. Wasn't Sampson's best coaching performance. Game was still winnable with a three. Sharp went spastic for the second time in a few seconds, and game over. Florida players seemed shocked.
Clayton closed out on it. That shot was going to be blocked. Nobody came to help and that was game. The ironic thing is that Sharp's signature shot all tournament was the pump fake step in three. He didn't realize he had enough time and put himself in a bad spot. Credit to Florida. They out cougared us in the final 10 minutes.
The slight nudge also had feet getting tangled. Didn't seem intentional, but the Florida player didn't flop
I'm so disappointed I was not even going to post. Man, a lucky bounce here or there and the Houston Cougars would have won 2 NCAA mens championships. It's just farking crazy.
Yep. Many things need to go right. Look at last year. Houston was prob good enough -- then, Shead gets injured. Coogs lose a close game despite their best player missing most of it.
Hearing K.Sampson's press conference is refreshing, too many coaches cry, talk about this and that. With transfer portals, UH can go back there, but they need to invest in inside guys that can finish. Sad they lost, but happy that I saved a lot of money from buying UH championship material.
Worst case, Sharp could've just taken the travel violation on the final possession -- there were still 4 seconds remaining if he did. Then, hopefully Florida misses a FT. Terrible play call when we didn't need a 3pt. Terrible execution. Terrible outcome.
The best play was the pump and step in. The next best play was to let it fly and go for contact. The next next best play was to let it fly and get blocked and get the ball back with 2 seconds left. The worst play was what he did. Although I screamed at Francis to tap it to him. He could have. But still. Just ugh.
Hmmm. I thought I might have overreacted so I was just watching the begging of the second half. Florida decided to come out aggressive and was pushing and throwing elbows. They got called for 5 early fouls. Then got a bench tech. Houston had zero fouls and a 10 point lead 3 minutes into the second half. Then Houston got 6 fouls in 3.5 minutes that completely changed the game. It was a bunch of ticky tacky bs. It was an obvious attempt to even things out. Florida kept pushing and shoving but they completely stopped calling fouls on them. By the 8:30 mark Houston has 10 fouls to their 7. Now Houston’s offense was dogshit, but there was more than enough bad officiating to cost them 3 points.
