In a college basketball era where faster, higher-scoring games seem to be all the rage, this Final Four seems to be all about the defense.

The No. 1 Cougars beat the No. 2 Volunteers, 69-50, in the Elite Eight on Sunday after amassing a 34-15 halftime lead. Tennessee’s fourth basket of the game came on its 23rd shot attempt. And that shot by Jordan Gainey simply cut a 21-point lead into a 29-10 advantage for Houston with 3:37 to play before the break.

Now they'll be the underdog. The Boilermakers get No. 1 seed Houston on Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. A time has not yet been announced. Here's what you should know about the Houston Cougars ...

Despite turning his left ankle and suffering a right elbow injury, Johni Broome finished with 25 points. His health will be massive for Auburn against the Gators. Florida beat the Tigers 90-81 at Auburn on Feb. 8. Auburn won the regular-season SEC title but Florida won the SEC tournament.

Tennessee veterans Zakai Zeigler and Jahmai Mashack were part of the Volunteers team that lost to Purdue in the Elite Eight last year. They could have left to explore their professional basketball opportunities, but decided to return to Tennessee for another opportunity like the one they have today.

What you need to know about the Houston Cougars' Final Four semifinal against Duke, a rematch of last year's Sweet 16.

The Cougars lost in last year’s Sweet 16, but All-American point guard Jamal Shead suffered an ankle injury and missed the entire second half in the loss to Duke. In 2021 and 2022, Houston was eliminated by teams that had a defense ranked in the top 25.

Madness odds for Houston Cougars vs Duke Blue Devils Final Four NCAA Tournament game, including point spread, moneyline, over/under for betting.

Elite Eight picks, predictions, odds for Tennessee vs Houston Midwest Region NCAA Tournament March Madness game Sunday, March 30, 2025. Who wins game?