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.

Houston is going for its second Final Four appearance in a five-season span. The Cougars will attempt to earn a short trip to San Antonio as they take on Tennessee for the NCAA Tournament’s Midwest Region championship on Sunday afternoon in Indianapolis.

Houston’s relentless defense confused and harassed Tennessee and carried the Cougars into their seventh Final Four and first since 2021.