Photo by Somer-Lian Charles
For the first time in more than four decades, the Houston Cougars are one win away from bringing home a National Championship. As the final buzzer sounded in San Antonio on Saturday night the roar of Cougar pride could be heard.
To set the stage for a title match against Florida, the Cougars mounted an electric comeback victory against Duke in the semifinal round. The team clinched the win with just seconds left on the game clock.
The roar of joy over Houston heading to the National Championship game extended from the Alamodome in San Antonio to Avenida Plaza in Houston where an official watch party was being held.
“If I had to describe it in one word, it would be ‘surreal’,” watch party attendee Jose Rubio said.
Spirits were high inside the Alamodome.
Fans flooded the stadium with a sea of red and white to show support. Some attendees were even painted from head to toe in the university’s colors.
In the sea of red and white University of Houston greats—NBA hall of famer Hakeem Olajuwon and legendary sportscaster Jim Nantz—stood out.
Houston fans drowned out the sounds of any other fanbase in attendance with chants of “WHOSE HOUSE, COOGS HOUSE.”
With every Houston basket or defensive stop, Cougar pride echoed throughout the stadium. The support never wavered even when the team was facing a 14-point deficit midway through the second half.
Others thought the double-digit deficit with seven minutes remaining in the game was insurmountable. But with each possession after, Duke supporters sat stunned while the rest of the stadium went into a complete frenzy.
When the clock finally struck zero screams and cries of triumph rang from every direction. Not a single Houston fan remained seated. Everyone celebrated the hard-earned victory and long-awaited trip to the Championship game.
Don’t sleep on Houston,” said Cougars Head Coach Kelvin Sampson proudly on the national broadcast.
The job—nor Cougar support—is not finished yet, though.
The team plays one more game against the Florida Gators inside the Alamodome on Monday, April 7 for the NCAA Championship.
If you can’t make the trip down to San Antonio, no need to worry. You can cheer on the Cougars from home base.
In front of George R. Brown Convention Center, At Avenida Plaza, festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Monday.
Nevertheless, whether you’re watching from home, the Alamodome or a watch party, be loud, wear red and prepare to witness history!
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