Sampson’s heart heavy as Houston advances

FORT WORTH, Texas– Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson led his team to its 5th successive AAC competition title game with a 69-48 win over Cincinnati in the semifinals on Saturday.But the longtime leader of a Cougars program going after a No. 1 seed on Selection Sunday did it with a heavy heart.Sampson’s twin

sis, Karen, passed away on Friday early morning, the school announced following his postgame press conference on Saturday. The school stated it is unaware of funeral arrangements.Throughout the week, Sampson’s

member of the family remained near him and he had actually not looked like himself amid rumblings throughout Dickies Arena that he ‘d been handling an individual matter.The news followed the injury to Marcus Sasser (17.5 PPG, 39%from 3), who is questionable for Sunday’s title game against competing Memphis– the last AAC title game Houston will participate in prior to a relocate to the Big 12 next season– with a groin injury. Sasser, who will be a game-time choice on Sunday, per the school, missed out on the bulk of Saturday’s win over Cincinnati after slipping on the floor and suffering the injury.”He is undergoing treatment at the group hotel tonight and will be re-evaluated by associate athletic director for sports medication John Houston and team doctors on Sunday,” the school’s declaration said.” Marcus is doubtful for Sunday’s [AAC title game] against Memphis/Tulane, and his playing status will be a game-time choice.” The school stated it does”not expect any further statements on his status till closer to Sunday’s game time.”Sasser was at first listed as “likely to return”prior to his status changed at halftime.Sasser’s teammates put their hands on his shoulder

and attempted to keep his spirits high as the visibly disappointed Houston star stood nearby after it was clear he wouldn’t go back to Saturday’s game. Earlier in the day, Sasser told ESPN that he felt “grateful”for having the chance to play in the conference tournament after missing all however 12 games, consisting of the whole postseason, last season due to a season-ending foot injury.When an authorities in the game asked Sasser how he was feeling during a timeout, he stated, “I’m all right. “Other players were all set to help on Saturday.Sampson informed ESPN his young players have actually grown quickly and become essential members of a group that intends to end up being the first team in NCAA history to both host and take part in the Last Four.Freshman Jarace Walker, a projected first-round choice in this summer season’s NBA draft, ended up with 13 points and eight rebounds on Saturday.” Jarace is extremely skilled and when he utilizes his talent in properlies and stays disciplined, he affects winning,”Sampson said.J’ Wan Roberts, who finished with 16 points and 8 rebounds, said the team’s capability to control Cincinnati without Sasser showcased its depth.”It demonstrates how good our team is,”Roberts said after the game. “A great deal of individuals stepped up which’s expected.

… [Sasser] came out of the game and we still had colleagues that we understand come off the bench and feature that same energy, which simply reveals a

lot about our group.” Houston can still maintain a front runner in the NCAA tournament without a win on Sunday. But Sasser’s lack will be crucial if it sticks around. With Sasser on the flooring this season, Houston has linked on 53 %of its shots inside the arc and 37% of its 3-point efforts, while holding opponents to 86 points per 100 possessions, according to hooplens.com.