Kelvin Sampson and his elite pack of Cougars tackle The U. The one-seed Houston Cougars are off two difficult performances within the first weekend. After dropping star Marcus Sasser for the sport, 16-seed Northern Kentucky gave them a scare. Within the Spherical of 32, Auburn had a second-half lead over Houston. Miami wanted a late burst from Nijel Pack to down 12-seed Drake earlier than they dominated Indiana.
Houston guards Marcus Sasser and Jamal Shead have been cleared to play. Sasser missed many of the recreation in opposition to Northern Kentucky, however each guards performed full in opposition to Auburn.
TV: CBS
Time: 7:15 EST
Odds: Houston -7.5, 139.5
Houston Wins If…
Marcus Sasser and Jamal Shead are 100%. Frankly, Miami has performed suspect perimeter protection for many of the season. Miami possesses a median pick-and-roll protection, which Houston will run repeatedly. Shead and Sasser are dynamos with the rock of their arms. With Nijel Pack anticipated to see prolonged time on them, they need to be comfy operating offense instantly. Pack poses an exploitable benefit for Houston.
Miami Wins If…
Shot-making wins. When it comes to pure bucket-getting, Miami is among the many finest within the nation. Isaiah Wong, Nijel Pack, Norchad Omier, and Jordan Miller are all competent off the dribble, and Pack and Wong genuinely shine in an array of shot-making situations. Miami is 1-3 in opposition to Kenpom’s prime 25 defenses and was not examined bodily within the ACC as Houston will. Omier and Miller shall be tasked with attacking the offensive glass, one space (perhaps the one one) that Houston will be prone to on protection. Houston creates matchup nightmares everywhere in the flooring for a lot of groups, however Miami’s means to win in iso conditions establishes a path to victory for the Canes.
Gamers to Watch
Marcus Sasser, G
The All-American. Sasser’s play makes me want he had stayed wholesome for his or her event run final 12 months. His scoring means and creativity match completely with what Coach Sampson tries to do on offense. Anticipate an enormous scoring efficiency.
Jordan Miller, F
Taller, artistic forwards give the Cougars hassle; see DeAndre Williams. Miller and Norchad Omier can have immense alternative to feast on the offensive glass. Miller stretches the ground and shall be a cell check for Jarace Walker and J’Wan Roberts.
Who Wins?
I anticipate this recreation to trip to begin earlier than the Cougars draw back and maintain a lead, just like UConn in opposition to Arkansas.
