Houston Cougars Basketball: 2018-19 keys to winning at Tulane

WICHITA, KS - MARCH 15: Head coach Kelvin Sampson of the Houston Cougars reacts late in the game against the San Diego State Aztecs in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at INTRUST Arena on March 15, 2018 in Wichita, Kansas. The Houston Cougars defeated the San Diego State Aztecs 67-65. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) /

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WICHITA, KS – MARCH 17: Corey Davis Jr. #5 of the Houston Cougars reacts as they take on the Michigan Wolverines in the second half during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at INTRUST Bank Arena on March 17, 2018 in Wichita, Kansas. The Michigan Wolverines won 64-63 with a 3-point buzzer beater. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

2. Houston needs to be aggressive on offense

Another key for Houston in this game will take place with the ball in their hands. While the Cougars don’t light up the scoreboard, averaging 75 points per game, against a team like Tulane who gives up the same 75 per game, being aggressive on the offensive end will be important. Houston’s aggressiveness will be important because Tulane because not only does Tulane not force a ton of turnovers, just 10.6 per game and nine per game in American play.

Not only does the Green Wave not force a lot of turnovers they also have a propensity to commit fouls, which leads to opponents shooting free throws. On the year, they commit 17 fouls per game and their opponents shoot 19.6 free throws per game.

Houston may have lost its best player from last season, Rob Gray from a team that nearly knocked off national runner-up Michigan, but they could be even better this year. They are led by the guard combo of Corey Davis, Jr. and Armoni Brooks who have combined for 29 points, while Galen Robinson and Dejon Jarreau add 16.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 8.1 assists. Over the last four games, Davis has stepped up even more offensively, averaging 19 points per game. If Houston can stay aggressive on the offensive end, they will have a big advantage over Tulane.