The University of Houston’s Big 12 Road Show
The University of Houston’s men’s basketball team is on a roll, with a 19-4 record and 11-1 in the Big 12 conference. Their latest win was a 69-59 victory over Colorado, a team desperate for a Big 12 win. This win marked the team’s 6-0 record on the road in the conference, making them the best road team in college basketball.
A Team on a Mission
The team’s success can be attributed to their tough mentality and discipline. As point guard Milos Uzan stated, "I think it just shows how tough we are. We’ve got a great staff. They give us a great game plan every single game. I think it shows our discipline as well." The team’s ability to follow the game plan and execute it has been key to their success.
Overcoming Adversity
The team has faced adversity, including injuries to key players such as Emanuel Sharp and LJ Cryer. However, they have found ways to overcome these setbacks and continue to win. As Coach Kelvin Sampson said, "I’m thrilled with this team. This team’s had a lot of adversity, as all teams do. Our guards have been up and down. That’s why I think our best basketball is still ahead of us."
The Rise of Terrance Arceneaux
One player who has stepped up in the absence of Sharp is Terrance Arceneaux. The third-year guard has been gaining confidence by the game, scoring 13 of his 15 points in the second half against Colorado. As Sampson said, "When you have got guys who can score, you go to them in the areas they can score in." Arceneaux’s teammates have also taken notice of his improvement, with Uzan saying, "Terrance is good. Terrance is really good. Every game you can see Terrance getting more and more comfortable."
The Impact of JoJo Tugler
Another player who has made a significant impact is JoJo Tugler. The forward’s ability to grab rebounds, including 10 against Colorado, has been crucial to the team’s success. As Cryer said, "That’s just crazy. But that’s JoJo." Tugler’s unique ability to get his hands on the ball has been a game-changer for the team.
J’Wan Roberts: The Steady Force
J’Wan Roberts has been a steady force for the team, scoring a team-high 20 points against Colorado. His ability to read the defense and score when needed has been invaluable. As Roberts said, "Just being patient. Reading the defense. The shots that I took today, I drill on those shots every day." His calm and serene approach to the game has been a key factor in the team’s success.
Conclusion
The University of Houston’s men’s basketball team is on a mission to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. With their tough mentality, discipline, and ability to overcome adversity, they are a force to be reckoned with. As Cryer said, "Oh yeah, I’m for sure playing. I’m not letting this hold me out. God willing, I’m going to finish the whole season. Ain’t none of these little nagging injuries going to take me out." The team’s determination and resilience will carry them far, and they are sure to make some noise in the tournament.
