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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 shedding 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 a lot of the recreation towards Northern Kentucky, however each guards performed full towards 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 a lot 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 fingers. With Nijel Pack anticipated to see prolonged time on them, they need to be snug 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 eventualities. Miami is 1-3 towards Kenpom’s high 25 defenses and was not examined bodily within the ACC as Houston will. Omier and Miller can be tasked with attacking the offensive glass, one space (perhaps the one one) that Houston may be vulnerable to on protection. Houston creates matchup nightmares all around the flooring for a lot of groups, however Miami’s potential 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 match run final yr. His scoring potential and creativity match completely with what Coach Sampson tries to do on offense. Count on an enormous scoring efficiency.
Jordan Miller, F
Taller, artistic forwards give the Cougars bother; see DeAndre Williams. Miller and Norchad Omier can have immense alternative to feast on the offensive glass. Miller stretches the ground and can be a cell check for Jarace Walker and J’Wan Roberts.
Who Wins?
I anticipate this recreation to travel to begin earlier than the Cougars draw back and maintain a lead, much like UConn towards Arkansas.
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