On Friday during a Sweet 16 contest in Indianapolis, Houston used a smart play that will be remembered in March tournaments. With the score tied and the clock winding down to 2.8 seconds, coach Kelvin Sampson orchestrated a baseline inbounds set that left Purdue struggling to adjust.
Houston’s wing player Milos Uzan initiated the move by swinging the ball to forward Joseph Tugler, positioned merely eight feet from the hoop. Recognizing that Purdue guard Braden Smith had left his post, Tugler quickly sent the ball back to Uzan.
Without any opposition, Uzan soared toward the basket and made a lay-in, giving Houston a two-point lead with a fraction of a second remaining. The successful move clinched a 62-60 win over the fourth-seeded Boilermakers.
Uzan described the play as “beautiful” and acknowledged its impact in moving his team from the Sweet 16 to the Elite Eight. The play epitomized flawless execution under immense pressure. Fans will remember this finish for years to come.
