In what became the most viewed Big 12 men’s basketball game to date, Houston basketball shocked the over 1.69 million viewers in a historic comeback to beat the Jayhawks in double overtime 92-86. Here are a couple of underappreciated moments that made this improbable win possible.
Milos Uzan brought Houston back in regulation
Down 66-60 with just 1:19 left, the Houston Cougars needed at least two baskets and defensive stops to keep their hopes alive. Junior point guard Milos Uzan had both of those buckets, the first a floater in the paint. After a Kansas shot clock violation, Uzan went right down the court, created his own space and drilled the pull-up jumper from the paint.
This set up the whole opportunity to tie the game before the end of regulation as UH then forced a five second violation on the KU inbound. J’Wan Roberts was then fouled and sent to the free throw line, where he made both attempts. This was also a big deal considering the massive struggles UH basketball had where they were just 31% from the line (4/13) in the second half.
“When it comes down to moments like that in games, we just gotta be tough enough to go up there and make your two,” Roberts said. “I already knew how the environment was, especially from last year. I just try to lock in on the rim.”
Emanuel Sharp’s deep three to barely stay alive
Down 79-73 with 28 seconds left in overtime, It looked like the Cougars were heading to a loss after LJ Cryer missed a step back three with 20 seconds left. Even after Dajuan Harris missed both free throws to completely close out the game, it felt as if the game was over. Houston had a 0.4% chance to win at that moment. There was now just 15 seconds left as Uzan quickly ran to the corner and passed it out to Emanuel Sharp for one last chance.
Houston’s best shooter, who was playing with an injured ankle and had not scored a point till now, casually hit the bullseye on a deep three a couple feet behind the line. Sharp has had a history of making clutch shots for Houston basketball and did so once again right there. That helped set up Mylik Wilson’s magical moment. Sharp scored all eight of his points in overtime, including another three in the second period.
Roberts second chance in the paint
The battle in the paint between UH basketball’s leader and KU’s Hunter Dickinson was one to watch during this game. While his strong left-handed hook shot wasn’t going in much early, Roberts made the difference late when he needed to. The 6’8 forward mentioned how he practices that shot every day and how Kelvin Sampson calls that play frequently because of the belief in him.
Based on the coverage Kansas was playing, it enabled Roberts to make the right decision. His effort in the paint was critical, demonstrated by the clutch offensive rebound and second-chance layup with 58 seconds left in overtime that extended the lead to two possessions, 88-84. His nine points in overtime were crucial in flipping the game to Houston.
Mylik Wilson
The graduate guard has had a long journey to get to where he is now. Initially recruited by Houston, Wilson chose to stay in his home state and played for Louisiana his freshman and sophomore years. Wilson then transferred to Texas Tech for his junior year and then made his way to Houston before his senior year where he redshirted. The 6’3 guard competed as a redshirt senior last season but has truly developed to another level as a graduate.
“Over the summer, when everyone’s usually going home, I stay in the gym getting up shots every day to become the shooter I am today,” Wilson said.
From shooting just 24% from three last year to now 48% from beyond the arc is a tremendous improvement. His overall field goal percentage also has gone up from 44% to 48%.
“His attitude and effort is very consistent. He’s a great young man,” Sampson said.
Sampson mentioned how proud he is of him and how happy the team gets for Wilson because they see the work he puts in.
“He’s that dude,” Uzan exclaimed. “Mylik was hooping that game, he’s really good I’m glad he got to showcase that in a big game.”
When Kansas turned the ball over with six seconds left in the first OT period, it bounced off of Uzan and landed straight into the hands of Wilson. While Uzan thought he might pass it out to him, Wilson saw Dickinson go towards the corner and realized he was wide open. All his shooting practice paid off right there with no hesitation, draining the triple.
“It’s endless hours in the gym, late nights and early mornings shooting that jump shot. When it happens in the game, it’s nothing new. He’s very underrated & athletic & he showed it on the biggest stage,” said Roberts.
This was just the 20th loss inside Allen Fieldhouse in the last 20 seasons.
“Going into these environments that are hostile and jumpy, that can scare you and shatter you, but our guys were ready for the moment. We knew if we kept fighting, something positive was going to happen” Roberts said.
Houston basketball’s win was the most unlikely in any of the 1,487 games between AP Top 25 teams over the last 15 seasons.
[…] a couple of huge floaters in Lawrence to keep his team in it as well as a big time three pointer, Uzan received Big 12 Player of the Week […]