Kansas Basketball Receives Defensive Praise From Houston's Kelvin Sampson

Holding Houston to just 35.3% from the field, the Jayhawks gave the No. 3 team in the country a run for its money

Mar 3, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Kelvin Sampson reacts after a play during the first half against the Kansas Jayhawks at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Kelvin Sampson: Kansas Defense Earned Respect After Tough Battle vs Houston

Following Kansas’ (19-11, 10-9 Big 12) 65-59 nailbiter loss at No. 3 Houston (26-4, 18-1 Big 12), the Cougars head coach Kelvin Sampson praised Bill Self and his Jayhawks’ lockdown defense in the postgame press conference:

“First of all, I want to congratulate Bill and his kids," said Sampson. "That’s the number six rated defense in the country… 7-foot-2 center, they’ve got a brick wall of a four man in Adams, they got a kid that starts at point guard that won the national championship. I have so much respect for Kansas and their program.” 

Kansas’ defense – which has been excellent all season – turned in another gem of a performance, holding Houston to an abysmal 24-for-68 (35.3%) from the field.

First half frames. pic.twitter.com/8NmP3HMtoK

— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) March 4, 2025

KJ Adams entirely neutralized forward J’Wan Roberts, allowing the uber-efficient four man (50.6% from the field on the season) to score just six points on 3-for-11 shooting.

And with that lockdown defensive performance, Adams earned his props from Houston’s head man:

“Adams was hard to score on. They didn’t double him. He just did a great job of playing right in the middle… he wouldn’t give him an angle,” said Sampson.

While it wasn’t quite enough to push the Jayhawks to a win, their defensive performance and relentless fight gave the Cougars a worthy battle, and certainly caught the attention of Sampson. 

“Kansas played hard, they played tough tonight. That was a classic Big 12 slugfest.”