by Don Mooney
FORT WORTH, Texas –– For the first time since their Phi Slama Jama era the University of Houston is poised to have two back-to-back 30 win seasons.
Two days after being named the league’s top player, Sasser scored 24 of his 30 points in the second half Friday as the Cougars overcame their worst-shooting game all season to beat East Carolina 60-46 for their 30th win of the season.
“It just shows his character and the type of person he is,” guard Jamal Shead said. “He never lets a lot of things get to him, just showing how good he is in that second half.”
Sasser was a starter on the Cougars’ 2021 Final Four team but missed their run to the NCAA Elite Eight last year because of a broken bone in his left foot before Christmas.
“Just being back out there with my teammates during March is always a good experience, a fun experience,” said Sasser, who was 9-of-15 shooting.
With a win in Friday’s quarterfinal, the Cougars would advance to the Semifinals against the winner of (4)Cincinnati-(5) Temple.
The Semifinals will air at 2 p.m., Saturday, inside Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. That game can be seen on ESPN2