There would no big shot or improbable come-from-behind win this time. The No.1 seeded University of Houston Cougars fell to No.4 seed Duke, 54-51, during the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday night. The Cougars were missing their leader and Naismith Payer of the Year candidate Jamal Shead, who was sidelined after suffering an ankle injury in the first half of play. Players like Emanuel Sharp, L.J. Cryer and J’Wan Roberts all gave it a valiant effort at the end, but without Shead’s leadership, playmaking and ball-handling, the Cougars could quite catch up to Duke. It’s the second straight year UH has lost in the Sweet 16 round as a No.1 seed. The Blue Devils move on to face North Carolina State in an All-ACC Regional Final on Sunday.
Kelvin Sampson a finalist for Coach of the Year
UH head coach Kelvin Sampson has been named a finalist for the Naismith Coach of the Year Award. He is joined on the list by UConn’s Dan Hurley, Iowa State’s TJ Otzelberger and South Carolina’s Lamont Paris. Sampson guided the Cougars to the Big 12 regular season championship, a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament and a fifth-consecutive Sweet 16 berth.
Rice names Rob Lanier new basketball coach
Rice has hired former SMU coach Rob Lanier as the Owls’ new men’s basketball coach. Lanier, who has spent the last two seasons at SMU, was unexpectedly fired once the season ended. This is Lanier’s fourth head coaching stop, having also headed up Siena and Georgia State and led both programs to NCAA Tournament bids.
Shaquille O’Neal’s son leaving Texas Southern
Texas Southern forward Shaqir O’Neal, the son of Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal has entered into the NCAA Transfer Portal after two seasons with the Tigers. O’Neal averaged 1.8 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.4 assists per game this season.
Rockets Jabari Smith Jr. suspended for fighting
Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. was suspended for one game this week after throwing a punch during the game against Utah. Jazz guard Kris Dunn, who started the altercation with Smith, was suspended for two games for throwing a punch.
Emanuel Sharp provides spark in second round
University of Houston guard Emanuel Sharp scored a game-high 30 points in helping the Cougars to the 100-95 over win over Texas A&M.
Rockets Fred VanVleet has strong showing against Jazz
Rockets guard Fred VanVleet had 34 points and seven assists during the 147-119 victory over the Utah Jazz.
