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Houston Cougars: Takeaways from the first week of 2019 NCAA Tournament

By Nathaniel Searl

TULSA, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 24: Corey Davis Jr. #5 of the Houston Cougars and teammates walk back to the bench during the first half of the second round game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Ohio State Buckeyes at BOK Center on March 24, 2019 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
TULSA, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 24: Corey Davis Jr. #5 of the Houston Cougars and teammates walk back to the bench during the first half of the second round game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Ohio State Buckeyes at BOK Center on March 24, 2019 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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The Houston Cougars had a strong performance in their first two games of the NCAA tournament, but they will need to play even better to best Kentucky.

The Houston Cougars put on a show for their fans in the first two games of the NCAA tournament, beating Georgia State 84-55 and Ohio State 74-59. While Houston’s offense performed well, their defense stole the show by keeping both opposing teams under 60 points.

Houston’s defense was especially effective in keeping their opponents shooting percentages down. Ohio State only shot 38.8 percent from the field and attempted 29 three-point shots. Georgia State shot 30 percent and took 23 three pointers. Houston also out-rebounded both teams.

On the offensive end of the floor Houston shot 51.6 percent against Georgia State and 46.4 percent against Ohio State. Corey Davis led the team in scoring in both games posting 26 and 21 in the first two games. Houston did struggle shooting the three, however, shooting under 30 percent in both games.

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Houston’s biggest weakness this week was their shot selection. While their offense was productive and shot a good percentage overall, they took a lot of difficult shots early in the shot clock. This was especially worrisome early against Ohio State when the game was close. Houston relied heavily on points in the paint and free throws to win this game, shooting only 5 for 19 from three.

The Cougars match up against the Kentucky Wildcats next in the Sweet Sixteen. This will be a very different opponent for Houston. Not only are they the first opposing team seeded higher than them, they are the first opposing team with a single digit seed. Kentucky is also an experienced team, with a coach who has been in the sweet sixteen many times.

Kentucky averages 76.4 points per game shooting 47.8 percent from the field. Houston’s defense is going to have to be in top form to keep them under 60 points. Don’t count the Cougars out though, they didn’t get to 33-3 without beating difficult teams. Their victory against LSU earlier in the year proves they can contend with strong teams.

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For now, the Houston Cougars can celebrate making their first Sweet Sixteen appearance since Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler went there in 1984. Be sure to not to miss the game against Kentucky, win or lose, it’s bound to be a good one. Do you think the Cougars can take down the Wildcats and move on to the elite eight?