The Houston Cougars came out strong in their NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament game against the Longwood Lancers, dominating with a 43-16 lead in the first half. The game marked the return of guard Ramon Walker Jr., who had been out for 32 days due to a torn meniscus in his knee. Walker, a sophomore and alum of Shadow Creek High School, entered the game off the bench and immediately made an impact with an offensive rebound, a foul drawn, and a steal.
Head coach Kelvin Sampson praised Walker’s energy and rebounding, which were much-needed for the short-handed Cougars. The team had previously lost Terrance Arceneaux and Joseph Tugler to season-ending injuries, and Walker was thought to be lost for the season as well. However, his return provided a much-needed boost for the team.
In addition to Walker’s return, the Cougars showcased their strong defense against Longwood. The Lancers struggled with turnovers, committing 14 in the first half alone. Houston took advantage of these turnovers and scored 20 points in the paint, along with five three-pointers. On the defensive end, the Cougars shut down Longwood’s inside game, not allowing any points in the paint.
With such a dominant performance, it is no surprise that ESPN Bet gave Houston a 23.5-point spread to beat Longwood. The Cougars are expected to move on in the tournament, and an intriguing matchup awaits them if things align correctly. The Texas A&M Aggies, former Southwest Conference rivals, also advanced earlier in the day and could potentially face off against Houston in the next round.
The potential matchup between Houston and Texas A&M adds an extra layer of excitement to the tournament. The teams faced each other earlier in the season, with Houston coming out victorious. A rematch between these two Texas teams would not only be highly anticipated but also determine who secures a spot in the Sweet Sixteen, which will be held in Dallas.
As the Cougars continue their journey in the tournament, ABC13’s Adam Winkler is on-site in Memphis, providing live reports and reactions from the team. Fans can tune into Eyewitness News broadcasts for the latest updates on Houston’s March Madness bid.
Overall, the Houston Cougars showcased their dominance in their game against Longwood, with Ramon Walker Jr.’s return adding an extra spark to the team. Their strong defense and ability to capitalize on turnovers were key factors in their victory. As they move forward in the tournament, all eyes will be on a potential matchup with Texas A&M, which could determine their fate in the Sweet Sixteen.
