#9 Houston (23-1) will get to go on the road tonight to take on the Huskies of Connecticut (13-11) in an AAC matchup. Houston has been on an eight game win streak with wins against Wichita State and Temple. However, for UConn, this has been the opposite as they are on a two game losing streak.
How Houston Can Win
Bring a stronger defensive mind and be sure to grab boards on defense. Houston hasn’t been highlighted as a great offensive team, but their defense has been great and driven them to twenty-three wins. Also, the amount of boards the Cougars have been grabbing have adapted them to play better defense. The Cougars need to do more of what they know how to do.
How UConn Can Win
Play stellar offense and shoot at a very high rate. If UConn has anything over the Cougars, it is there scoring rate. UConn has been known to keep up with their opponents with their matched scoring. Also, the Huskies need to make a shift to increase their shooting percentage to around 47-48%. If the UConn Huskies can do this and make the adjustments needed, they might be able to take down the Cougars.
Players to Watch
Houston: The Cougar’s guard, Calen Robinson Jr, is a huge piece in how the offense moves. This can either be in the way they move the ball around or the shooting for the team. Regardless of how he decides to help, Calen Robinson Jr. will need to excel in one of those areas.
UConn: G Christian Vital has always been the player for the Huskies that goes off in large scoring performances. I don’t think this will change, even with powerhouse Houston coming in to take a shot. Vital will bring in his shooting rates of 46.5% FG to 41.5% 3PT to help UConn have a chance.
Score Prediction
To break it simple: If UConn was riding a winning streak into this game, instead of a losing one, then I’d give them a fair shot. However, this is not the case and Houston will roll its valiant defense to play once again. This will be another demanding performance from Houston on their road to March. Houston 76, UConn 62
Photo Credits: https://www.theuconnblog.com/2018/3/4/17078602/uconn-connecticut-huskies-falls-houston-cougars-mens-basketball-kevin-ollie-aac-kelvin-sampson
