The Wildcats take on the Cougars of Houston on Saturday, January 23, 2009 at McKale Center. The Cougars are from Conference USA and boast a 12-4 mark. The Cougars are 3-2 on the road this year and are coming off of an impressive 18 point win at home against East Carolina.
The Cougars have four players that average more than 10 points a game. With that being said, there is a considerable dropoff in talent after the those four guys. The Cougars depth is an issue with only 6 players averaging more than 10 minutes per game. If the Wildcats can get any of the Cougars into foul trouble, this one could turn into a blowout.
Marcus Cousin, the Cougars 6' 11" center will most likely be matched up on Jordan Hill. Cousin averages 12.1 points per game and 9.2 rebounds per game. Kelvin Lewis is a 6' 4" guard who averages 19.9 points per game and is shooting 40% from the 3 point line this year.
Houston has not win in Tucson since an 81-76 win decision on December 22, 1967.
Be looking for Jordan Hill to pass the ball to open looks if he is double teamed or just can't handle the defense from Marcus Cousin. Johnson, Wise, and Budinger should be open on the outside for good looks. If we shoot like we did last Wednesday, we are going to be in trouble. I hope that Arizona attacks the basket more tomorrow if they are cold on the outside. Here are some stats:
The Game Thread will be open tomorrow starting at 3:45 for those who want to comment on the game. We need this one bad.