University of Houston Basketball: A Program Built on Winning
The University of Houston basketball program is known for its proud tradition of winning. Every loss is a setback, and the recent overtime loss to Alabama stings. Associate head coach Quannas White’s expression says it all as he sits outside the team lounge before the Cougars’ second game in Las Vegas.
The Importance of Team Bonding
White emphasizes the need for the team to come together, especially during the Thanksgiving holiday. "We need to do something together as a team here first," he says. This sense of togetherness is crucial for the team’s success, and it’s something that coach Kelvin Sampson prioritizes. The team’s trip to Las Vegas, where they stayed at a casino hotel connected to the MGM Grand Garden Arena, was an opportunity for them to bond and get closer.
A Much-Needed Win
The Cougars bounced back from their loss to Alabama with a 65-54 win over Notre Dame. It wasn’t a pretty win, but it was a necessary one. The team’s defense regained its identity, holding Notre Dame to just one point in a seven-minute and 41-second stretch in the second half. J’Wan Roberts, Emanuel Sharp, Terrance Arceneaux, and the rest of the team played a crucial role in suffocating the Irish offense.
Learning to Close Out Games
The University of Houston team is still learning how to close out tough games, but they’re making progress. LJ Cryer carried the team offensively against Alabama, scoring 30 points before running out of gas in overtime. Emanuel Sharp emerged as a closer against Notre Dame, scoring 14 points in the second half, including two deep three-pointers. Coach Sampson believes that with Cryer, Sharp, and his ability to call sets that get his best players open looks, the team will grow into a good closing group.
Overcoming Injuries and Adversity
The team is dealing with injuries, including Terrance Arceneaux’s repaired right Achilles and Ja’Vier Francis’s groin and left leg injuries. However, coach Sampson is confident that they will overcome these setbacks. "Right now, this is October for Javier," he says. "We’re in November, but he didn’t do anything for 19 days. He’s not going to be where he left off last March. You’ve got to start over." Despite these challenges, the team remains optimistic, with JoJo Tugler showing flashes of his defensive prowess and Milos Uzan racking up seven assists in the first half against Notre Dame.
The Road Ahead
The University of Houston basketball team is confident in their abilities, and with coach Sampson at the helm, they have a proven formula for success. As J’Wan Roberts says, "Every game that we play shortens the season. But it’s about making memories. We’re in Vegas right now, away from home. Great place, MGM. We’re trying to make the best out of it." The team is focused on learning and improving, and they know that they will be playing their best basketball by the time January, February, and March roll around.
Conclusion
The University of Houston basketball program is built on a tradition of winning, and this year’s team is no exception. Despite setbacks and injuries, the team is making progress and learning to close out tough games. With coach Sampson’s guidance and the talent on the roster, the Cougars are confident that they will overcome any obstacle and make a deep run in the tournament. As assistant coach K.C. Beard says, "You’ve got to find a way to win those games. You’re there. Just got to finish." The University of Houston team is determined to finish strong and make this season one to remember.
