2 min read • March 21, 2023
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Houston’s leading scorer returned to form in the second round win over Auburn, scoring 22 points on 50% shooting from the field and 55.6% from 3-point range.
While he’s clearly not 100% from the groin strain he suffered in the AAC championship, he can be effective as a shooter and should be more mobile on defense Friday against Miami.
Miller was much more active in round two against Maryland, but had a lackluster shooting performance through the minor groin strain he’s been nursing since the SEC championship.
The lanky freshman went 5-17 from the field but was 7-8 from the free throw line and 2-6 from 3-point range for 19 points, second on the team.
He also added 7 rebounds and should be much closer to 100% on Friday against San Diego State.
The 6-foot-7 sophomore had 17 rebounds in 26 minutes on Sunday, powering the Hurricanes to an 85-69 victory over the Indiana Hoosiers. Omier entered the tournament nursing a right ankle sprain, but has not let it limit his rebounding ability.
He has scored just 19 points on 5-14 shooting so far in the tournament, but look for him to be more active with the ball on the interior against the Houston Cougars.
Poplar exited the win against Indiana after falling hard on his tailbone while grabbing a rebound. By video, the sophomore guard is dealing with a contusion and should be ready to go Friday against the Cougars.
Despite a gruesome-looking right ankle sprain, Singleton will be available for the Bruins on Thursday night against the Gonzaga Bulldogs.
By video, Singleton suffered at least a Grade 2 inversion ankle sprain and was fortunate to avoid an ankle fracture.
He will not have full mobility on defense, but can operate as a spot-up shooter on offense – his main role on that end of the court.
The fifth-year senior is shooting 42.5% from deep this season, averaging 9.1 points in 27.9 minutes per game. His 71 3-point makes led the team during the regular season.
The main reason his SIC score is so low is because he will be a liability on the defensive end.
Had limited effectiveness in 20 minutes against Northwestern, his first action since suffering a left shoulder dislocation on March 10. The 6-foot-10 freshman finished with 6 points, 1 rebound, 2 blocks and 3 fouls while playing mostly right-handed.
Bona’s shoulder will be slightly better against Gonzaga on Thursday, but he gets a tough matchup against veteran big man Drew Timme.
Head coach Mick Cronin may look to play Kenneth Nwuba early if Bona struggles to be effective on the boards.
Creighton’s 7-foot-1 center suffered a minor left ankle injury in the first round, but played full minutes in round two against Baylor.
He finished with 10 points, 7 rebounds and a block in the 85-76 win.
The Bluejays have a Friday matchup against the #15 seed Princeton Tigers, whose tallest starter is 6-foot-9.
The Bruins’ defense has performed well despite the absence of Jaylen Clark and his 2.6 steals per game. They allowed 53 points to UNC Asheville and 63 points to Northwestern.
However, the real test will come Thursday night against the Gonzaga Bulldogs, who ranked first in Division I with 87.3 points per game.
Clark suffered a torn Achilles tendon on March 4th against the Arizona Wildcats.
The Volunteers have made their first Sweet 16 since 2019 despite the loss of starting point guard Zakai Zeigler.
Tennessee lost two of their last three games heading into the tournament after Zeigler's ACL tear on the final day of February.
However, their defense has stepped up big in the tournament, limiting their first two opponents to 55 and 52 respectively.
Senior Santiago Vescovi has led the team in assists in each of the last two games after leading the team in scoring during the regular season.
The #4 seed Volunteers get a matchup against the #9 seeded Florida Atlantic University on Thursday night.
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Wooga Poplar says he “feels good and is ready for the next game” after taking a hard fall yesterday against Indiana. Miami plays Friday versus Houston. #Caneshoops
“PLEASE DON’T SHOW THAT AGAIN!” - Brendan Haywood, live on air /producer shows it 3 seconds later/ awkward.
