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Houston Basketball: Preview of Cougars 2019-20 season

By Ben Andreatta

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 07: (L-R) Fabian White Jr. #35, Dejon Jarreau #13, Nate Hinton #11 and Armoni Brooks #3 of the Houston Cougars look on in the closing moments of the game at Fertitta Center on March 07, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 07: (L-R) Fabian White Jr. #35, Dejon Jarreau #13, Nate Hinton #11 and Armoni Brooks #3 of the Houston Cougars look on in the closing moments of the game at Fertitta Center on March 07, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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TULSA, OKLAHOMA – MARCH 24: The Houston Cougars celebrates a three pointer scored by Armoni Brooks #3 (not pictured) during the second half of the second round game of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at BOK Center on March 24, 2019 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
TULSA, OKLAHOMA – MARCH 24: The Houston Cougars celebrates a three pointer scored by Armoni Brooks #3 (not pictured) during the second half of the second round game of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at BOK Center on March 24, 2019 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Non-Conference Games

Nov 15th BYU

This will be the first test for Kelvin Sampson’s young squad. The Cougars took care of business last year at BYU and will play the second game of that home and home series in Houston. They need to win this game to get off on the right foot.

Nov 22nd @ Oregon

Definitely the most enticing non-conference game on their schedule. A true road game against a Ducks team that is one of the favorites to win the Pac 12. Houston knocked off Oregon last year at home and will head out to Eugene to play the away game of their home and home series. The Ducks are a powerhouse and a win here would be quite the statement.

Dec 8th @ South Carolina

A trip to Columbia South Carolina to take on the Gamecocks is a great chance to grab a win on the road in SEC country.

Dec 15th Oklahoma State

Houston beat Oklahoma State at their place and will get to host the Cowboys December 15th. Oklahoma State will return all five of their starters and look like they should be a lot better than last year.

Diamond Head Classic

Just a note that Houston will be playing in the Diamond Head Classic December 22nd-25th. They’ll open against Portland and then play either Georgia Tech or Boise State in the second round. UTEP, Washington, Ball State, and Hawai’i make up the other half of the tournament bracket.

A few good opportunities to pick up some quality wins, Houston went unbeaten in non-conference play last season and that will be tough to duplicate. The early game at Oregon is the biggest of the non-conference games and a win there should carry a lot of weight if the Cougars find themselves near the bubble come Selection Sunday.