Houston and Auburn punch their tickets to the Final Four
(KYMA, KECY) - Houston and Auburn are headed to the Final Four after commanding wins in the Elite Eight on Sunday, securing their spots in San Antonio. Houston dominated Tennessee 69-50 to capture the Midwest Region title.
The Cougars' defense smothered the Volunteers, forcing turnovers and limiting their offensive production. J'Wan Roberts and Emanuel Sharp led the way for Houston, helping the team maintain control throughout the game.
With the win, the Cougars return to the Final Four for the second time in the last four seasons, continuing their run as one of the country’s premier programs.
In the second matchup, Auburn battled past Michigan State 70-64 to win the South Region, reaching the Final Four for just the second time in program history. The Tigers controlled most of the game, but their momentum was briefly halted when star forward Johni Broome suffered a scary fall with just over 10 minutes to play.
The national player of the year candidate was taken to the locker room for evaluation, but X-rays were negative, and he returned with five minutes left to a raucous ovation. Broome immediately made an impact, grabbing a one-handed rebound and draining a three-pointer to help Auburn maintain its lead.
He finished with 25 points and 14 rebounds, leading the Tigers to victory despite their struggles from the free-throw line and beyond the arc.
With their victories, Houston and Auburn join Duke and Florida in a rare all-No. 1 seed Final Four, the first since 2008. Auburn will face SEC rival Florida, while Houston takes on Duke, with both matchups set for next weekend in San Antonio.
