There are injuries all over the Big 12 right now, with several key teams (Arizona, BYU, Texas Tech) currently without big pieces. That’s opened an opportunity for someone like Houston (23-3, 11-2 Big 12) to establish itself as the best team in the conference.
But after losing at Iowa State earlier in the week, they’re now tied with this weekend’s opponent, Arizona (24-2, 11-2) at the top of the conference standings. With this being a home game and a trip of Kansas coming, Houston can’t afford to lose this game on Saturday.
Here are the keys to victory for the Cougars in this game.
1. Take advantage of Koa Peat’s absence
As previously mentioned, Arizona will be without a key starter on the team, with Koa Peat (13.8 ppg and 5.4 rpg) out with a lower-body injury. The Wildcats’ strength is its interior production, ranking 2nd nationally with 25.5 made baskets a game inside. There are still other frontcourt players to worry about if you’re Houston but Peat was the most explosive of the group and most likely to go off. Now, Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Jojo Tugler can focus on another player and take him out of the game.
2. Take pressure off of Kingston Flemings
It’s clear that Flemings (16.6 ppg and 5.3 apg) has become Houston’s best and most important player at this point. But that doesn’t mean that he’s still not a freshman capable of having off games. Before his 22-point outing against BYU, Flemings combined for 16 points on 4/22 FG shooting against Kansas State and Utah. If he does that against Arizona, there’s a chance the Cougars fall. Look to Emanuel Sharp (16.5 ppg) to play a key role in this game as he’s just as capable of having a big outing, while Milos Uzan is another double-digit scoring threat to watch.
3. Don’t let Arizona get hot from deep
As mentioned, Arizona’s strength is its interior production. They rank towards the bottom in the nation in three-point attempts at under 17 a game. That doesn’t mean they aren’t efficient, shooting over 35% and going 9/22 from deep in the last game versus BYU. Freshman Brayden Burries (38% 3PT) and Anthony Dell’Orso, coming off a season-high 22 points in his last game, are the key shooters for Arizona. If they make shots from the perimeter to offset any interior issues, then the Cougars could be in some real trouble.