Kelvin Sampson: “Incomprehensible Ending” as Houston Falls in NCAA Final

Kelvin Sampson: “Incomprehensible Ending” as Houston Falls in NCAA Final

The Cougars' coach stunned after his team blew a 12-point lead and lost the title to Florida. "We were built to win this tournament."

Kelvin Sampson called Houston’s NCAA championship loss to Florida “incomprehensible.” After leading nearly the entire game, the Cougars collapsed in the final minute, committing four consecutive turnovers and falling 65-63 in one of the most stunning finishes in tournament history.

Florida’s comeback — the third-largest ever in a title game — left Houston heartbroken. Emanuel Sharp, whose two late turnovers sealed their fate, broke down in tears postgame. Sampson stood by his star guard: “We don’t get here without that kid. I told him I loved him. He did an incredible job defensively on Clayton.”

The loss denied Sampson what would have been his 800th career win and a potential first-ballot Hall of Fame nod. “This team was built for this moment,” he said. “That’s why it hurts so much.”

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