Milos Uzans' Buzzer-Beater Stuns Purdue, Sends Houston Rocketing into Elite Eight

In a heart-stopping March Madness showdown, Houston guard Milos Uzans etched his name into tournament lore with a last-second layup to defeat Purdue 78-76, propelling the Cougars into the Elite Eight. The play, a masterclass in composure under pressure, capped off a wild back-and-forth battle that had fans on the edge of their seats until the final horn.

The Play That Shook the Bracket

With just 2.9 seconds left and the score tied, Houston inbounded the ball near midcourt. Uzans received the pass, drove baseline past a scrambling defender, and floated a left-handed layup over Purdue’s towering center as time expired. The shot sent Houston’s bench into a frenzy while silencing the Boilermakers’ stunned supporters.

• Clutch Performance: Uzans finished with 19 points, 4 assists, and zero turnovers.
• Defensive Stand: Houston held Purdue scoreless for the final 1:47 to set up the dramatic finish.
• Tournament Implications: The Cougars advance to face the winner of Tennessee/Oregon State.

Key Moments Leading to the Finish

1. First Half Shootout: Both teams shot over 50% in a high-paced opening frame.
2. Purdue’s Big Man Dominance: Zach Edey scored 28 points but was limited late by Houston’s double-teams.
3. The Turning Point: A controversial charging call against Purdue with 38 seconds left gave Houston possession.

What’s Next for Houston?

The Cougars now stand two wins away from their first Final Four since 2021. Their next opponent will test whether Uzans’ heroics were a flash of brilliance or the start of a championship run. Houston’s suffocating defense (ranked #1 nationally) remains their calling card, but after this performance, their late-game poise may be their new secret weapon.

What Do You Think?

• Was the charging call against Purdue justified, or did officials swallow their whistles?
• Should Houston be considered the NCAA Tournament favorite after this win?
• Does Purdue’s loss prove elite big men like Edey can’t win titles in today’s guard-driven game?
• Would Uzans’ shot have counted if replay showed his foot was on the baseline?
• Are buzzer-beaters more thrilling in basketball than walk-off homers or Hail Mary touchdowns?