Houston is looking to rebound in Las Vegas after a tough loss in the opening game of the Players Era Thanksgiving Festival. The sixth-ranked Cougars, fresh off an overtime defeat to No. 9 Alabama, are eager to bounce back. Meanwhile, Notre Dame, who also lost in overtime on Tuesday night to Rutgers, is facing its own challenges, including the potential loss of its top scorer, Markus Burton, due to injury.
The game between Houston and Alabama was a tightly contested battle, with both teams boasting aspirations for the NCAA Tournament. Alabama came out on top with an 85-80 victory, but not without Houston putting up a strong fight. The Cougars rallied from an eight-point deficit in the second half to briefly take a three-point lead with a minute remaining in regulation. However, the Crimson Tide forced overtime and outscored Houston 7-2 in the extra period to secure the win. L.J. Cryer, who scored a career-high 30 points, led the Cougars in the loss. Despite the loss, Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson remained optimistic, noting that the team had a chance to win and that the final shot—missed by Cryer with two seconds left in regulation—was a good one.
Houston, now 3-2 on the season, has been known for its strong defense, allowing 45 points or fewer in its victories. However, its defense was tested against Alabama, with the Cougars allowing nearly seven more points than their season average. Houston is also 0-2 on neutral courts this season, having previously lost to then-No. 11 in their second game of the year.
On the other hand, Notre Dame’s loss to Rutgers was equally heartbreaking. The Fighting Irish were forced into overtime after Matt Allocco hit a clutch three-pointer with 8.4 seconds left in regulation. However, Allocco’s potential game-winner as time expired missed, and Notre Dame fell short in a 85-84 loss. Adding to their misfortune, Notre Dame lost their leading scorer, Markus Burton, to a knee injury early in the game. Burton, who averages 18.2 points per game and was named ACC Rookie of the Year last season, is doubtful for the upcoming game against Houston. Allocco, who stepped up with 24 points and six three-pointers, will likely have to continue filling the scoring void left by Burton.
Head coach Micah Shrewsberry expressed uncertainty about Burton’s condition, stating that the team was putting the situation in God’s hands as they await further updates. With Burton’s status unclear, Notre Dame faces a tough challenge against a determined Houston squad that will be eager to bounce back from its own overtime loss. Both teams, now dealing with setbacks, will look to regroup and gain some momentum as the festival continues.
