The No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region Houston Cougars(30-4) are set to take on No. 16 seed SIU Edwardsville(22-11) in the 1st Round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament Thursday. This is Houston’s third consecutive season with a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. This is SIU’s first trip to the NCAA Tournament in program history. Will they be able to keep it close against the heavily favored Houston Cougars?
Houston Season Summary
The Cougars were dominating in the Big 12 and are coming in winners of 13 straight games. They will be flying high heading into their 1st Round matchup. Houston has struggled on offense this season. They are 165th in points scored, 116th in field goal percentage, and fourth in three-point percentage.
Houston has been led by its defense this season. That is a blueprint of Head Coach Kelvin Sampson’s teams. The team is second in points allowed, fourth in opposing field goal percentage, 41st in opposing three-point percentage, and one of the best teams in the nation at turning over the opposition. Their best player this season has been Guard L.J. Cryer. After struggling in the conference tournament, he will look to get on track against SIU.
SIU Edwardsville Season Summary
SIU qualified for the NCAA Tournament following a victory in the OVC Championship. Their offense has been poor this season. They are 215th in points scored, 261st in field goal percentage, and 174th in three-point percentage.
Much like Houston, SIU has been led by its defense. They are 36th in points allowed, 21st in opposing field goal percentage, and 120th in opposing three-point percentage. Guard Ray’Sean Taylor is one of the best scorers in the nation. He will face one of his toughest tests of the year against the Cougars’ ferocious defense.
Final Thoughts
It will be a defensive battle in Wichita, Kansas. Houston should be able to prevail due to their depth. They may have their sights set on a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, and SIU is standing in their way.
