Houston Basketball: Takeaways from Cougars first three games of 2019-20

TULSA, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 22: Fabian White Jr. #35, Galen Robinson Jr. #25 and Breaon Brady #24 of the Houston Cougars celebrate from the bench against the Georgia State Panthers during the second half in the first round game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at BOK Center on March 22, 2019 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – MARCH 29: Fabian White Jr. #35 of the Houston Cougars reacts against the Kentucky Wildcats during the 2019 NCAA Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional at Sprint Center on March 29, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Defensive Woes

Yeah, the defense has been a really big problem for Houston so far, 89 points to RIce and 72 to BYU is not ideal for Sampson and things will get even tougher. Oregon has a lot of firepower averaging over 80 points per game against some really quality opponents.

Houston has got to come out and guard the three-ball after giving up 21 threes over the past two games. Teams that have good shooters will make Houston pay so they need to lock up a little bit.

Houston did better guarding down low in the paint but questions are going to be asked about whether or not they’ve got enough size. Gresham and Gorham hardly played leaving Fabian White to try and guard the paint. Teams that have a lot of size are going to have mismatches, we’ll see when the time comes what happens as I’m sure Sampson has a plan.

There seemed to be a lack of energy and urgency for Houston on the defensive end against Rice as it seemed they were sleepwalking for most of the game, some stops on defense helped the Cougars get out in transition and helped the game to open up. The Cougars have to play in a higher gear on defense against Oregon.