News Summary
As the NCAA Tournament approaches, the University of Houston Cougars are set to compete against Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. With a remarkable season record and a No. 1 seed in the Midwest Regional, the Cougars aim to showcase their strength on the court. The game is scheduled for Thursday at 1 p.m. on TBS. Fans are encouraged to support the team and participate in open practices the day before. Expectations are high as the Cougars strive for a successful run in this year’s March Madness.
Houston, Get Ready for Some March Madness!
It’s that time of year again, Houston! The excitement is building as the University of Houston Cougars gear up to take on Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville in their first game of the NCAA Tournament. The Cougars are coming in hot as the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Regional, and they’ll be looking to make a deep run in the tournament. Mark your calendars for Thursday at 1 p.m. because it’s game time!
Where to Watch
If you’re wondering where to catch the action, look no further! You can tune in on TBS to watch the Cougars battle it out on the court. The broadcast will feature a talented crew, including Tom McCarthy, Deb Antonelli, Steve Smith, and AJ Ross. If you prefer to watch on the go, you can stream the game on the NCAA March Madness app or on Max. So, grab your snacks, settle into your couch, and get ready to cheer!
The Matchup
This showdown brings together the Cougars and the 16th seed, SIU-Edwardsville, who have had a solid season with a record of 22-11. They came out on top in the Ohio Valley Conference to secure their spot in the tournament. Under the guidance of coach Brian Barone, who carries on the legacy of his late father, former Texas A&M coach Tony Barone, the team will be looking to deliver a surprise.
Houston enters this matchup with an impressive overall record of 30-4 and they recently clinched the Big 12 Conference championship. With a reputation for dynamic gameplay, the Cougars boast the No. 1 ranked defense in the country and a remarkable three-point shooting accuracy that ranks fourth nationally at 39.8%.
What to Expect
As they take to the court in Wichita, Kansas, the Cougars will be eager to showcase their aggressive offensive rebounds and tenacious defensive rim protection. Houston’s starting lineup, featuring players like Milos Uzan, L.J. Cryer, Emanuel Sharp, J’Wan Roberts, and Joseph Tugler, is set to ignite the crowd’s excitement.
Should the Cougars emerge victorious, they’ll move on to face the winner of the No. 8 Gonzaga vs. No. 9 Georgia game in the second round. Meanwhile, Texas is gearing up for their own tournament journey, facing Xavier in a play-in game as a No. 11 seed. The Midwest Region is stacked with talent, featuring strong teams such as No. 2 Tennessee, No. 3 Kentucky, No. 4 Purdue, and No. 5 Clemson.
Looking Back
For those curious about the past, Houston has made a remarkable 27 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, with their last appearance in 2024. The Cougars’ best win this season came against Texas Tech with a score of 69-61. SIU-Edwardsville’s standout moment was defeating Southeast Missouri 69-48 just last month.
Don’t forget, there’s also an opportunity for fans to get involved and watch the players practice before the big game! Open practices at the Intrust Bank Arena on Wednesday are free for the public, so why not take a trip and show your Houston spirit?
Conclusion
As excitement builds and the stakes get higher in this NCAA Tournament, all eyes will be on the Cougars as they aim for glory. With the team’s talent, determination, and home team support, Houston hopes to make a thrilling run in March Madness. Let’s go Cougars!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Houston Cougars Capture Big 12 Championship Title
Houston’s J’Wan Roberts Sidelined by Ankle Injury in Win
Houston Overcomes Injury to J’Wan Roberts, Defeats Colorado
Additional Resources
- Houston Chronicle
- The Telegraph
- The Telegraph
- Wichita State Shockers
- KWCH
- Wikipedia: NCAA Tournament
- Google Search: March Madness
- Google Scholar: NCAA Basketball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NCAA Tournament
- Google News: March Madness
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
