Photo Credit, wcpo.com Photo Credit, timesofsandiego.com
Time has a way of carving out history. After all, change creates new beginnings. Two local schools separated by less than a mile apart made history in its basketball program.
The University of Houston won its first NCAA Tournament game since 1984 when it outlasted San Diego State, 69-67 in the opening round of the tournament. In its last appearances, the Cougars lost to Maryland, 89-77 in 2010.
Rob Gray and Aztecs Devin Watson traded 3-pointers as time wound down. But it was Gray taking things into his own hands when he scored a late basket as the Cougars prevailed.
Despite losing, 56-55 to Cincinnati in the American Athletic Conference Tournament, the Cougars managed a No. 6 seed in the West Region were it met San Diego State.
In 1984, the Cougars (26-7) found it selves one game short of a title when it fell to Georgetown before defeating the Virginia Cavaliers in the semifinals for its last NCAA Tournament victory.
For TSU, which recorded its first win in the NCAA Tournament history, celebrated a milestone by drubbing North Carolina Central (19-16), 64-46 on Wednesday night in Dayton, Ohio. The victory sets up a date with Xavier (28-5), the top seed in the West.
The Tigers (15-19) earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament with a losing record, the first in tournament history. Texas Southern won the SWAC Conference Tournament. But, It’s stiff non-conference schedule may have played a role in its preparation toward the big dance.
One such player who have supported the Tigers in many ways, guard Damontrae Jefferson counters with speed and quickness. Even at 5’7”, Jefferson finds the rim from 3-point range, free throw line, and layups. Add in his defense and his size difference is erased
