Joseph Duarte, University of Houston beat writer for the Houston Chronicle, joins The Matt Thomas Show to preview the No. 1 seed Cougars taking on the Longwood Lancers in the first round of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
Duarte is confident in the Cougars ability to defeat the Lancers, saying they're in "better shape" than they were last week in the Big 12 Championship tournament.
The Cougars' bench will also get some relief as guard Ramon Walker Jr. "was cleared to get back on the court Monday."
Point guard Jamal Shead had a breakout season, earning Big 12 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in Houston's first season in the conference. However, Shead will have a tough matchup in guarding Wade Taylor IV if Texas A&M makes it to the second round. Shead is "going to be extremely motivated."