Houston shatters Oregon State’s glass slipper to reach Final Four: Scores, stats, highlights and 3 things we learned

The Houston Cougars delivered a powerful statement against the upstart Oregon State Beavers to clinch their first Final Four appearance since 1984. 

Cinderella eventually learns that the clock has struck midnight, and this time, it was the No.2 seed Houston Cougars who ended the dance. Houston’s 67-61 victory over the 12-seed Oregon State Beavers earned them the Midwest Regional Championship and their first trip to the Final Four since 1984.

The Cougars are now in a spot where they have the chance to improve upon their predecessors, who went to back-to-back NCAA Championships and fell short in both appearances against North Carolina State and Georgetown in 1983 and 84.

However, there are two sides to a story as the Beavers exit Indianapolis with disappointment after embarking on a tournament run that silenced critics who picked them to finish last in the Pac-12 standings at the start of the season.

Houston will soon learn who their opponent will be in either the Baylor Bears or the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Highlights from Houston basketball’s win over Oregon State

In this game, making the shots was the main story. Houston sophomore Marcus Sasser made it clear when he knocked down three three-point shots in the first half and never looked back, scoring 20 points and leading the team. Quinten Grimes also contributed nicely with 18 points.

Ethan Thompson scored 11 points for the Beavers and had 5 assists. Maurice Calloo led the team with 13 points in the losing effort while coming off the bench as the Beavers came within four at one point before ultimately falling in the end.

Defense was the name of the game for Houston as they held Oregon State to just 17 points at the intermission and produced turnovers that helped fend off a ferocious comeback by the Beavers and send the Cougars to the Final Four.

3 takeaways from Houston basketball’s win over Oregon State

3. Houston’s defense could very well be their secret formula to hoisting the trophy.

Late in the second half, we saw how Oregon State used its resolve to keep the game close. In the end, however, it was the Cougars’ ability to defend that helped them win the game and could very well help them take another step closer to their first championship in school history.

The Beavers had several chances to come back and continue their remarkable run. Still, Kelvin Sampson’s team didn’t stay pat and instead dug deep and found a way to keep momentum on their side, and as a result, they have a regional trophy to show for it, although this trophy is nothing compared to what they could potentially earn down the road.

2. Oregon State ran out of magic at the wrong time.

All good things have to come to an end, and for Oregon State, this was the wrong time to have the slipper not fit. It’s not all bad, considering where the Beavers were to start the season and how they entered the tournament with a chip on their shoulder. Oregon State was initially chosen to finish last in the entire conference. Instead, they fueled the emotion into ensuring that they would receive the automatic berth to March Madness.

Winning the Pac-12 was no easy feat for Wayne Tinkle’s crew, and it very well may be the start of a new beginning for the Beavers. For now, the wrong spell was cast as the Beavers came close to digging themselves out of a hole several times but could not finish it in the end.

1. The Houston Cougars are a team that cannot be overlooked.

It’s easy to see how Gonzaga is a favorite or Baylor gets the nod with their intensity. But the Houston Cougars are the sleeping giant that people tend to forget. They play with an edge, and they can shoot the ball as well. To win a championship, not only must you stop the opposition from scoring, but you best be good at putting the ball in the bucket yourself.

Marcus Sasser picked the right time to have himself a phenomenal game, but a dominant performance in the Elite Eight pales in comparison to having a strong performance in the Final Four. If Houston is hoping to cut down the nets, Sasser and his teammates will have to replicate their outstanding performance for two more games.

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