HUSTON – For the first time in nearly 40 years, the University of Houston men’s basketball program will play as one of the nation’s top teams when it begins the 2022-23 season against Northern Colorado at 7 p.m., on Monday, inside the Fertitta Center.
The Cougars, who are ranked third in both the Associated Press and the USA TODAY Sports The coaches’ polls haven’t ranked this high in the preseason since the 1983-84 Cougar team debuted at No. 3 in the AP poll.
Under the leadership of 2022 CBS Sports National Coach of the Year and three-time American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year Kelvin Sampson, the Cougars have established themselves as one of the nation’s premier programs.
Since 2017-18, Houston has captured five American Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament titles, competed in four NCAA Tournaments and posted a 143-30 record.
Only Gonzaga (155-16) has more wins than the Cougars during that span.
SEASON OPENING STORY
• With its 83-75 overtime victory against Hofstra inside the Fertitta Center on Nov. 9, 2021, Houston improved to 57-20 in all-time home games.
• The Cougars have won 13 and 17 of their last 18 road games last season… Only a 65-63 loss to Georgia Southern on the first day of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer in Durham, NC, on November 11, 2008, prevents a longer generation.
• Houston has been winning well in recent history, winning 13 games last season by an average of 25.4 points per game (330 points in 13 games).
• Houston has won six of the last seven games by 28+ points.
BUY TICKETS 2022-23
Fans can now purchase single-game tickets for the Cougars’ 18 regular-season home games inside the Fertitta Center. Supplies are limited and fans are encouraged to purchase quickly before they run out.
To purchase tickets for a game, fans may call the Athletics Ticket Office at 713-GO-COOGS (462-6647) during regular business hours or Click here In every time.
For the third straight season, the Cougars sold out their season tickets for home games inside the Fertitta Center.
Fans who were unable to purchase season tickets in 2022-23 are invited to join the 2023-24 team waiting list as the Cougars prepare to enter the Big 12 Conference. To join the ticket waiting list 2023-2024 season, fans can Click here.
AROUND NORTHERN COLORADO
• Monday’s game will open the 2022-2023 season for Northern Colorado.
• Northern Colorado was picked to finish second in the Big Sky Conference’s Coaches and Media preseason polls.
• A year ago, the Bears posted a 22-16 record to finish third in the Big Sky and fell in the Big Sky Tournament championship game.
• Last season, graduate guard Daylen Kountz led UNC with 21.2 points per game and is the leading returner with 4.1 rebounds per contest. Graduate guard Matt Johnson III ranks second among returners with 13.0 points per game and led the team with 2.9 assists per contest a year ago.
• Coach Steve Smiley is in his third season at North Colorado as a collegiate coach.
• Smiley has compiled a 33-27 career record.
• Monday’s game will be the first time Smiley has faced Houston in his career.
• Monday’s game will be the first time Smiley has faced Houston coach Kelvin Sampson in his career.
• 2004 graduate of Northern State.
SERIES HISTORY vs. NORTHERN COLORADO
• Monday’s game will be the first time Houston will face Northern Colorado in men’s basketball.
NORTHERN COLORADO CONNECTIONS
• The Houston Athletics enjoy an affiliation with Northern Colorado.
• Northern Colorado Athletics Director Darren Dunn served as associate athletics director with the Cougars from October 2009 to December 2013.
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• Fans can watch Monday’s game ESPN+ with Matt Pedersen (play-by-play) and Houston great Reid Gettys calling the action.
• Fans can listen to Monday’s game 950 AM KPRC or The Varsity Network app with Jeremy Branham and Houston Hall of Famer Elvin Hayes calling the action.
• Fans can follow live visit statistics StatBroadcast.com and following the relevant links or by clicking here.
NEXT
• After Monday’s season opener, the Cougars meet Saint Joseph in the Veterans Classic in Annapolis, Md., on Friday.
• This game begins at 5:00 PM (CDT) Friday inside Alumni Hall and will be televised on the CBS Sports Network with Dave Ryan, Steve Lappas and Gary Parrish calling the action.
• From there, Houston returns home to take on Oral Roberts at 7 p.m., Nov. 14, inside the Fertitta Center during the Cougar Classic.
• The Cougars close out their time in that event at 7 p.m., Nov. 16, against Texas Southern inside the Fertitta Center.
• All Houston men’s basketball games can be heard on 950 AM KPRC.
SUPPORT HOUSTON’S RISE
Join in The rise of Houstona $150 million fundraising campaign for the Houston Athletics dedicated to Big 12 Conference championship success.
each The rise of Houston contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win when we begin Big 12 competition in July 2023. Click here to stand up and be counted.
JOIN THE 50-50 CLUB
Fans are invited to join the 50-50 Club to support Houston men’s basketball. 50-50 club members help fund program needs and enhance the experience for our student-athletes.
Fans who join the 50-50 Club will receive embroidered Jordan Brand team apparel, invitations to exclusive events, regular updates about the program and much more.
For more information or to register, fans can visit uhcougars.com/5050club or Click here. To join the 50-50 Club, fans can call Cougar Pride at 713-743-GoUH (4687).
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can get updates by following @UHCougarMBK on Twitter and keep up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team’s Facebook page at UHCougarMBK or by visiting the team’s Instagram page at UHCougarMBK.
– UHCougars.com –
