Houston vs. Alabama is one of the top games in the college basketball non-conference slate.
This is the second big test early for the Cougars and the Crimson Tide. This is the third meeting between these two teams within the past four seasons, with Alabama winning the previous two 83-82 and 71-65 in 2021 and 2022.
General information:
Teams: Alabama (4-1) and Houston (3-1)
Tip-off time: 7 pm CST
Watch: TBS/Max
Listen: KPRC 950, Tide 100.9
Our two staff writers for these programs, Maanav Gupta (Houston) and Nicholas Elliott (Alabama) break down this matchup.
Q: How is Alabama viewing this matchup vs Houston?
Nick: Alabama is viewing this matchup as another game where they can continue to get better and build off of and where they can show off their talents on a big stage. Both teams respect each other, and with how different the teams like to play, it will be interesting to see if the game will be slowed down in the half-court or an up-tempo game. A matchup like this will only benefit both of these teams for the rest of the season and into March, and if it is like the previous two matchups in 2021 and 2022, this game will be a war in the paint where the toughest team will come out on top.
Q: Who are the players to look out for on the Crimson Tide?
Nick: Players to look out for are Alabama Mark Sears, who is coming off a donut in the score column for the second time in his college career, and Labaron Philon, who is climbing draft boards and does it all on both ends. Clifford Omoruyi has not had a big game yet, but he is so dominant down low that it will be a good matchup with the Cougars’ physicality around the rim.
Q: How has the Alabama season gone so far?
Nick: Alabama’s season has started slow with shooting struggles from the outside, and guys are still figuring out each other’s games with so many newcomers on the roster. The team took an early road loss to Purdue and responded well last week, with the offense putting up 100 previous games against Illinois; it is playing its best ball so far and riding high headed into the game tomorrow. The defense is always a work in progress and not anywhere near where Oats wants it, so it will be something to keep an eye out for how Alabama can defend Houston.
Q: Who needs to step up for Houston offensively in this matchup?
Maanav: In order for the Cougars to win this game, they need graduate guard LJ Cryer to have a big game. Cryer has been quiet recently, and is a key player for the offense to put up points and make shots from three. Houston will also need new junior point guard Milos Uzan to be efficient. Uzan has been a great player for the Cougars so far, and put up strong numbers early on.
Q: Keys to Victory for Houston?
Maanav: In their previous big matchup vs Auburn, the Cougars struggled in their second half defense. It will be important for them to keep the intensity throughout the game. Houston cannot turn the ball over on offense. Generally they do a great job about that, however that was also a struggle versus Auburn. In a top 10 matchup, UH will need to shoot well from the free throw line, which has been an issue in the past.
Q: How has the Houston season gone so far?
Maanav: The Cougars have not played as much as most teams in the country at this point, with a 3-1 record. UH has dominated all three of their home games vs Jackson State, Louisiana, and Hofstra with offensive depth and tight defense. The one loss was to Auburn in the Battleground 2k24 at Toyota Center where they had the lead with just over two minutes to go, but couldn’t hold on. It has been a typical strong start, but also included a very early learning opportunity and test vs the Tigers. The bench has scored really well, Uzan has been good, and the two players whose season got cut short last year in Joseph Tugler and Terrance Arceneaux have had strong contributions.
The all time series between these teams is tied at 3-3. Houston has a 3-1 lead at neutral site venues vs Alabama. Head coach Nate Oats is 2-0 vs Kelvin Sampson and Houston in his career.