Overview
- Houston enters the Elite Eight matchup with a 16-game winning streak, the longest in the NCAA Tournament, after a dramatic 62-60 victory over Purdue.
- Milos Uzan's game-winning layup against Purdue, orchestrated by coach Kelvin Sampson, secured Houston's first Elite Eight appearance since 2021.
- Tennessee advanced by defeating Kentucky in the Sweet 16, powered by Zakai Zeigler's 18 points and 10 assists, highlighting their balanced offensive attack.
- Both teams are among the nation's best defensively, with Houston leading in scoring defense (58.5 points per game) and Tennessee also ranking in the top 10.
- Sunday's game at Lucas Oil Stadium will feature three Naismith Defensive Player of the Year finalists, underscoring the defensive intensity expected in the matchup.