Wichita State vs. Houston: Preview, Prediction, TV Schedule
By Taylor Sturm
The Wichita State Shockers continue to roll but face a sneaky-good Houston Cougars squad next. Can they avoid an upset at home and come out with a win?
TV Schedule: Thursday, Jan. 4, 7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN
Arena: Charles Koch Arena, Wichita, Kansas
Despite multiple injuries, the Wichita State Shockers still look like one of the best teams in college basketball. Ranked No. 9 overall, the Shockers have won three straight since their loss to Trae Young and the Oklahoma Sooners and, with their victory over UConn, have started their first season in the American Athletic Conference strong.
However, their next opponents in conference play, the Houston Cougars, might be one of the most underrated teams in college basketball.
The Cougars have 12 wins already on the season and, in an AAC that is really Wichita State, Cincinnati, and then everyone else, Houston has a legitimate shot at an at-large bid in the NCAA Tournament. Their road loss to the LSU Tigers is bad, but a road loss is a road loss and carries with it less value than a home loss would.
A win over Wichita State on the road would all but secure an NCAA Tournament berth for the Cougars barring a massive collapse, which could mean we see an energized, dangerous upset bid from Houston.
Unfortunately, Wichita State looks like they are slowly rounding into top form. I like this Cougars’ squad, but I do not believe they beat the Shockers at home — especially with the way Wichita State is playing right now.
Prediction: Wichita State 75, Houston 68