West Virginia faced a tough challenge against No. 6 Houston as the Cougars extended their winning streak to 13 games with a 63-49 victory. Houston's success has been fueled by their exceptional defense, which has proven to be a formidable force against opponents.
The Cougars have established themselves as the top defensive team in the nation, allowing a mere 55.6 points per game. Their defensive prowess is highlighted by their ability to stifle opposing teams' top scorers, as seen in their recent victory over West Virginia's Javon Small, who was held well below his average points.
Houston's defensive strategy involves throwing double and triple teams at key players, forcing opponents to find alternative scoring options. This approach has been highly effective, as evidenced by their ability to limit standout scorers like UCF's Keyshawn Hall, Utah's Gabe Madsen, and BYU's Richie Saunders in recent matchups.
Head coach Kelvin Sampson emphasized the importance of defense as the cornerstone of Houston's success. The team's commitment to defensive excellence has propelled them to the top of the Big 12 standings, with an 18-game league winning streak that ranks as the second longest in conference history.
Despite a challenging start to the season, Houston has found their stride and maintained an impressive level of consistency. The team's defensive tenacity, coupled with the return of key players from the previous season, has been instrumental in their current dominance.
Offensively, Houston has also been productive, boasting a 21-point scoring margin that leads the country. The Cougars' ability to force turnovers and capitalize on scoring opportunities has further solidified their status as a powerhouse in college basketball.
As Houston continues to showcase their defensive prowess and overall team cohesion, they remain a formidable force to be reckoned with in the Big 12 and beyond.
