The Houston Cougars got a scare Saturday when star guard Marcus Sasser went down awkwardly with an injury in the first half.
Sasser appeared to slip on a wet spot while making a move with the ball and went down in obvious pain in Houston’s American Athletic Conference Semifinal game against the Cincinnati Bearcats.
The team ruled Sasser doubtful to return with a groin injury.
Although Sasser did not return to the game, his prognosis seemed much improved when he was spotted walking somewhat normally coming out for the second half.
The 6-2 senior guard, the AAC Player of the Year, entered the game averaging 17.5 points for the No. 1-ranked Cougars. Houston defeated Cincinnati, 69-48.
After the game, head coach Kelvin Sampson said Sasser was still being evaluated.
“If Marcus goes down, he’s hurt,” Sampson said (via Houston’s ABC 13). “I was concerned for him. They’re still evaluating it. We’ll see.”
However, Mark Berman, sports director of KRIV Fox 26 in Houston, says a source told him Sasser “has a good chance to play tomorrow in the AAC Tournament championship game.”
Cougars fans pointed out the obvious on Twitter — the team needs Sasser healthy for the NCAA Tournament, even if that means sitting him for the AAC Championship game and even the NCAA opener, where Houston will be heavily favored against a No. 16 seed.
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.