March Madness breaking hearts is not a new thing! This time it was the Gonzaga Bulldogs whose run ended at the hands of Houston. A matchup that was touted as a potential Final Four game did not disappoint. But it was Kelvin Sampson and his team who came out on top. A hard-fought defensive display is not the only thing that the fans appreciated. After the game, the action from the Cougars HC raised his stocks more amongst the netizens.

“Houston HC Kelvin Sampson consoled Gonzaga’s Khalif Battle after the Zags’ close loss ❤️.” The tweet from the March Madness official account showed a video where the opposing team’s head coach embraced Gonzaga senior Khalif Battle, who was emotional after the loss. The commentator’s narration made it more emotional.

“That’s a tough one for Battle. This is Kelvin Sampson talking to Battle. Battle said yesterday, ‘Coach Sams is one of a kind. His DNA is winning.’ Well, it will continue into Indianapolis this Friday.” The 69-year-old coach who has gone 295-83, a .780 winning%, at Houston would make another gesture, this time praising the opposition for the battle. “Let’s stop and congratulate Mark Few and Gonzaga for what they’ve accomplished,” Sampson said.

The praise continued, “They’ve been such a shining light for basketball programs and basketball coaches for a long, long time. There’s nobody I respect more than Mark Few and there’s not a basketball program I respect more than Gonzaga. We beat a hell of a program tonight. That makes it even more significant.”

What made the game interesting was the Cougars carried an 11-point lead into the final 2:30 of the game. But a late charge brought the Bulldogs to within a point, with 21 seconds remaining. However, the Houston side prevailed thanks to some late defense and big free throws down the stretch.

Kelvin Sampson is adding the opposition fans to his kingdom

Houston’s HC kept the bigger picture in mind Saturday night after his No. 1 seed Cougars survived a tight matchup. Khalif Battle, a red-shirt senior likely playing in his last collegiate game—was emotional on the court. Sampson went over to him after the final buzzer and gave him a big hug. “Kelvin Sampson is a class act. As a Zag fan I’m rooting for Houston to take it all!” Opposition fans rarely cheer/ route for your success, but the Cougars HC is winning hearts.

Prior to this game, the 69-year-old coach had led Houston to seven straight March Madness trips, all of which have advanced at least to the second round. So, there is no one to dispute his legacy. “Classy move by Kelvin Sampson. One of the greats. 🔥.” The praises did not stop there, as the netizens wanted awards for the Cougars HC. “This guy just became my favorite coach in college bball. He deserves a title.”

The matchup from the offset was built on the history between the two coaches with a combined 1,462 wins and four Final Fours. Before this year, Mark Few had led Gonzaga to 26 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and won his last 16 first-round games with Gonzaga. That’s why during the press conference, Kelvin Sampson denied comparison with the Zags, because of their better legacy and consistency.

The fans remembered that as well and showed love to the rival coach. “What a gentleman. And a great example. Congratulations to Houston. Proud of our Zags.🏀.” It’s not just the Gonzaga fanbase who was enamored by Kelvin Sampson, even conference rivals Jayhawks are rendering support to the Houston HC. “Kansas fan and am rooting for Houston. Kelvins a great coach, better person!”

Up next, they take on Purdue, who advanced to the Sweet 16 with a 76-62 victory over McNeese. This will be their sixth Sweet 16 appearance in the last eight tournaments, so once again a lot of pedigree on the line, and with new fans behind him, Kelvin Sampson will be eager to continue his winning momentum.