Houston Cougars Prepare for NCAA Tournament Game vs. SIUE

NCAA Tournament Bound

• 🏀 The University of Houston Cougars are heading to the NCAA Tournament and ready to compete.
• 📍 Their first game is in Wichita, Kansas, against the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) Cougars.

Scouting the Opponent

• 🔍 The Houston Cougars have done their homework on SIUE, noting they play a similar style with many guards who create and rebound.
• ⚠️ A key player for SIUE, Joe Valerie, a Houston native, will not be on the court due to a foot injury sustained in November.

Player's Perspective

• 💭 Valerie, who was a standout at Yates High School, expressed his disappointment at not being able to play but finds being with his team an overwhelming experience.
• 🌟 He was previously recognized as Player of the Week on Inside High School Sports in 2019.

Fan Support

• 🎉 Fans are showing their support by wearing red and are ready to cheer on the team.
• 📺 KHOU 11 is hosting a watch party at Plaza in downtown Houston starting tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.m. for the first-round game.