Houston Basketball: 3 keys for 1st Round NCAA Tournament game against Longwood

As Houston begins their 2023-2024 NCAA tournament the goal is clear. Win the NCAA tournament. Last season Houston was the favorite heading into the tournament and they struggled from the opening tip and even though they were able to advance to the Sweet 16, before getting run out of the gym by Miami, Houston underachieved. After that loss, everyone was questioning whether or not the lack of real competition in the American Conference was a factor for Houston.

The Cougars joined the Big 12 and some still questioned if they were going to be as good heading to the best conference in the country. The question was answered with a resounding Yes, as Houston won the Big 12 regular season and was ranked number 1 in the country for awhile this season. It was so good that Houston earned a 1 seed again and are once again one of the betting favorites to win the NCAA tournament. 14% of the brackets submitted through ESPN have Houston as the winner.

At this point everyone knows what to expect with Houston. They are almost impossible to score on and Houston will make teams work for everything on the offensive end. They turn you over and get out in transition for easy baskets. The Cougars are tough to play because of how physical they play and how athletic Houston is. The Cougars get going in the late night window against Longwood in Memphis. Here are three things to watch for.