The 7th-ranked Houston Cougars received a major boost ahead of their pivotal Big 12 showdown against the 12th-ranked Kansas Jayhawks, as head coach Kelvin Sampson revealed that star guard Emanuel Sharp is expected to return from a lower body injury and suit up for Saturday night’s clash at Allen Fieldhouse.
Sharp, Houston’s second-leading scorer at 13.8 points per game, missed the team’s previous outing against Utah on Wednesday after being spotted in a walking boot. But after participating in Friday’s practice, Sampson gave Sharp the “green light” to take the court against the Jayhawks.
“Emanuel is going to give it a go,” Sampson told ESPN. “The trainer cleared him, so he’ll be out there.”
Cougars Riding 11-Game Surge
Sharp’s return comes at an ideal time for the surging Cougars, winners of 11 straight, as they put their unbeaten 7-0 Big 12 record on the line against a formidable Kansas squad. Even without Sharp, Houston hardly missed a beat in its 70-36 dismantling of Utah, a testament to the team’s depth and tenacious defense.
Now at 15-3 overall, the Cougars have emerged as the team to beat in the Big 12. However, a trip to the vaunted Allen Fieldhouse to face the battle-tested Jayhawks presents a whole new challenge. Kansas will undoubtedly be eager to defend its home court and reassert itself in the conference title race.
Sharp Provides Scoring Punch
When healthy, Sharp gives Houston another dangerous scoring option to complement leading scorer Marcus Sasser. The sophomore’s ability to stretch the floor and create his own shot adds a valuable dimension to the Cougars’ offensive attack.
- 13.8 points per game
- 40.2% 3-point shooting
If Sharp can regain his form and rhythm quickly, it would go a long way in helping Houston combat the hostile environment at Allen Fieldhouse. His presence alone should open up more opportunities for his teammates and keep the Kansas defense honest.
High Stakes in Big 12 Battle
Saturday’s matchup carries significant implications in the Big 12 race. A Houston victory would give the Cougars a commanding 3-game lead over Kansas in the loss column and further cement their status as the class of the conference. The Jayhawks, meanwhile, cannot afford to fall 3 back of Houston with the season halfway complete.
Regardless of the outcome, this game should provide an excellent measuring stick for both teams as they gear up for the stretch run. With March Madness on the horizon, every high-level contest serves as valuable preparation for the challenges that await in the NCAA Tournament.
Can Sharp shake off the rust and help lead Houston to a statement win on the road? Or will Kansas protect its home floor and tighten up the Big 12 standings? Answers will come Saturday evening in what promises to be one of the best games of the weekend.
