Sports
 

UH back home after rough road 

By Jay Gandy
The Daily Cougar

Cougar fans have begun to realize that following the men's basketball team is much like following the stock market.

The Cougars' seem to fluctuate between extreme highs and lows, often for inexplicable reasons.

So far this season the Cougars have played in streaks. During one span, Houston won five consecutive games, including a 60-52 victory against then-undefeated Louisiana State on Dec. 30. But the Cougars followed that by losing seven of their following eight games, including four consecutive losses.

If form holds true, Saturday's 65-53 win over South Florida could be the beginning of a winning streak. 

Their next challenge comes tonight as the Cougars (8-10, 2-5) return home to face Southern Miss. The Golden Eagles come into the game at 10-8 overall, but they have struggled in Conference USA play, with only a 3-4 league record. A win for the Cougars would move them to 9-10 overall and put them in a ninth-place tie with Southern Miss for C-USA.

The Golden Eagles are led by senior forward Charlie Gaines, who averages a little more than 15 points per game. Points may be tough to come by inside for Southern Miss if UH senior center Anwar Ferguson continues his solid defensive play. Against USF, Ferguson scored 15 points and blocked four shots in the first half, forcing the Bulls to look for offense away from the basket.

Another player to watch for is sophomore guard Jarekus Singleton. Singleton got his first career start Saturday against Tulane, and he made the most of it, leading Southern Miss with 19 points. 

Against the Cougars, he will have junior guard Andre Owens to deal with, both offensively and defensively, something that may prove tough for someone making only his second career start. Owens leads Houston with 17.1 points per game.

The Cougars began the year almost unbeatable at home with wins over Washington and LSU, before struggling at the beginning of conference play. Coming into tonight's game, Southern Miss was 8-1 at home, but only 2-7 on the road, giving the Cougars a great opportunity to get back to their winning ways at home.

After facing Southern Miss, the Cougars will have a rare rest at home before hosting Cincinnati at 2 p.m. Saturday.

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