No. 10 Houston’s formidable defense will be put to the test as it plays host to West Virginia’s high-scoring guard, Javon Small, on Wednesday. Small, a senior transfer from Oklahoma State, leads the Mountaineers with an average of 19.8 points per game. Houston’s defense has been outstanding, holding opponents to just 54.2 points per game and has not allowed more than 57 points in their current eight-game winning streak.
Houston coach Kelvin Sampson had glowing praise for Small, commending his talent and the positive impact he brings to the West Virginia team. “He’s got swagger,” Sampson remarked. “He’s extremely talented, versatile, and a key player for them. I think he’s one of the best guards in the country.”
The Cougars, currently tied for first place in the Big 12 with Arizona and Iowa State, are coming off an impressive 87-57 road victory over Kansas State. The team showcased their balanced scoring with five players reaching double figures, led by Emanuel Sharp’s 15 points. Sharp and LJ Cryer lead Houston in scoring, both averaging 14.1 points per game.
On the other side, West Virginia secured a 78-70 win against Colorado with Small leading the charge with 26 points. Joseph Yesufu also made a significant impact, contributing 18 points in a season-high 28 minutes of play. Yesufu, a sixth-year senior, previously played under West Virginia coach Darian DeVries at Drake University.
In the victory over Kansas State, Houston’s J’Wan Roberts reached a milestone by scoring his 1,000th career point, breaking the school record for games played previously held by Fabian White Jr. Roberts, a graduate student, has been a pivotal player for the Cougars, averaging 8.9 points and 6.7 rebounds per game this season.
Coach Sampson reflected on Roberts’ growth within the program, highlighting his transformation from a newcomer to a key player. “He’s gone from a naive wanderer to an absolute pillar of the program,” Sampson praised. Roberts’ contributions in various aspects of the game, from defense to scoring, have been instrumental to Houston’s success.
Joseph Tugler also made a significant impact for the Cougars, recording his first career double-double against Kansas State with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Despite his recent success, Tugler has struggled with fouls, fouling out twice this season. Coach Sampson expressed confidence in Tugler’s abilities, emphasizing the importance of him staying on the court to maximize his impact.
The upcoming matchup between Houston and West Virginia promises to be an exciting clash between top teams in the Big 12 conference. With Small leading the charge for the Mountaineers and Houston’s staunch defense looking to maintain their impressive form, fans can expect a competitive and thrilling game.
Stay tuned for the outcome of this highly anticipated matchup between two
