That was an ugly win. The offense is concerning, but that defense is about as lock down as you’re ever going to see. They aren’t the best team in the country right now, but you definitely won’t want to play them in March.
From the games I’ve watched, I would say U Conn is the best team I’ve seen so far. They have an inside game with size, really good shooters, very athletic with a lot of depth, and they’re very good defensively. They beat Alabama by 15 and Iowa St by 18. It would be a really good game if we played them, but they are tough.
I went to the game last night and sat a couple of rows above the scorer's table. It was interesting to listen to Sampson. "Tramon, you're walking out there! You got to run, son, and make sharp cuts!" But he didn't yell as much as I thought he would. I didn't hear him yell at Jarace Walker, even though Jarace looked lost out there at times. He seemed to know their coach, Randy Bennett, very well, as they had a long embrace before the game, followed by a few minute conversation. Logan Johnson (brother of Tyler Johnson), who previously played at Cincinnati, played well. I'm sure he and Sasser know each other pretty well, and hugged after the game with Johnson tapping him on the chest (mutual respect). At least, he didn't tap Sasser on his left shoulder
What a strange game. Saint Mary's outrebounded us by nine, had 4 more assists than us, hit three times as many threes as us, yet we found a way to win. If you take away Roberts and Chaney a combined 10 of 14 from the field, the rest of the team was only 11 of 43 or 25% from the field. Feel fortunate to get out of the game with a win. Our guard play sucked offensively but played relentless defense helping force 17 turnovers that in the end allowed us to win. Looking forward to the Alabama and Virginia games. IMO Sasser, Shead, and Mark are going to have to start making their shots for us to win those games. When your team is ranked #1 in the country for the first time in 40 years it's kind of disappointing to see such a lackluster effort offensively by our guards. But man can they play elite level defense.
typical game I was expecting. Good grind out win UH. There's a reason why KS sets up the schedule the way he does. All a process. Hopefully Sasser gets his treatment and be ok. But it isn't a given hell play next sat vs Bama. that game is going to be the toughest all year in the regular season schedule Get well Sasser!
We are doing what a #1 should do, which is win no matter how ugly it is. That's a good sign. But #1's also step on necks with a big lead. And we did not do it last night.
Good to get a tough neutral-site game under our belts. Turnovers were the difference. I’m confident the team will continue to improve until March. We will lose a game this season, but it weren’t last night.
Sasser sore but still practiced today. very light practice but was shooting ok Joseph Duarte on Twitter: "Thirty-five NBA scouts are expected for Saturday’s top-10 showdown between (1) Houston and (8) Alabama." / Twitter
We have been a good defensive team since Sampson showed up but the past two years they have started causing turnovers which lead to easy baskets Those make a difference in games where we struggle to score.
It has always been my favorite style of basketball to play, coach and watch. Something about shutting down good scorers and at least keeping elite scores below their averages. It drives the other teams nuts. I say everyone that stuck out their necks for CKS to be hired deserves tickets for life at the very least. April 2, 2014 was a terrible day in Texas history, the Fort Hood shooting. But in Cougarland it should be named as Kelvin Sampson Day. If he wins the tournament on April 3rd 2023 in H-town it will be a must. Good luck tonight.
If the Coogs struggle with N. Florida (also known as Little Sisters of the Poor) then we really have a problem. The UH offense has largely only made cameo appearances against decent teams. Defense has been stellar, but UH has to prove that they can light it up. They should be able to do that tonight. If not, big problem.
lol the only problem is its called December basketball not March. They don't have to prove anything in December besides stay healthy and continue to build towards March folks try to put way too much stock in these early games as if it means absolutely anything with what this team will be by the end of the season. KS goal isn't to be clicking in December. in fact he makes the schedule accordingly so that they can build as they go along
