NCAA Basketball: Purdue, Marquette rise in latest top 25 power ranking
By Joey Loose
6. Houston (7-0)
Things aren’t exactly the same in Houston this season, and how can they be with Marcus Sasser and a few other big names gone from the Cougars. Additionally, this is the first year for Houston in the Big 12, though that certainly hasn’t intimidated their start to this season. Instead we’ve seen this impressive roster continue to do the little things well, winning their first seven games each by double-digits.
Back on Sunday, the Cougars won the Charleston Classic with a 69-55 win against Dayton, performing well that week on the neutral court. Houston was led by LJ Cryer’s 18-point performance while Jamal Shead added 16 in the win. The Cougars were back home on Friday for a much less contentious game against Montana, getting a 79-44 victory against the Grizzlies. Cryer had 24 points, leading the Cougars in scoring yet again, while the team played another really strong defensive game.
You won’t find any ranked or super impressive teams among the seven wins on Houston’s resume, but we’re not complaining because the Cougars have looked the part three weeks into the season. They won their holiday tournament, they’ve been an elite defensive squad, and they’re certainly looking ready for their first year in the Big 12. Their first true road test is this coming week at Xavier.