No. 1 seed Houston is headed to the Final Four for the second time in the past five seasons after imposing its will on No. 2 seed Tennessee for a 69-50 win in the Elite Eight on Sunday. The Cougars used a masterful defensive effort to build a 22-point first half lead and then held on late for their 17th consecutive victory.

Houston’s relentless, harassing defense had Tennessee’s shooters dancing around. Now, the Cougars are two-stepping it back to Texas. L.J.

SEC foes Auburn and Florida will meet in the early game with Big 12 Champion Houston and Duke, the ACC Champ, tangling in the nightcap. Houston is making their seventh appearance in the Final Four but still seeking their first national title.