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.
Here's how UH senior guard Marcus Sasser injured himself during the first half. Non-contact injury, appears to have just slipped.
Groin injury, questionable to return. @KHOU pic.twitter.com/MSV8Wp3Ozt
— Daniel Gotera (@DTGotera) March 11, 2023
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.
UH guard Marcus Sasser coming out of tunnel with team for second half. Seems to be walking little better. It is hard to imagine him playing though. pic.twitter.com/ZRL9BW713K
— Chris Baldwin (@ChrisYBaldwin) March 11, 2023
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.”
Kelvin’s postgame thoughts about Marcus Sasser’s injury. pic.twitter.com/8fVipmHEnL
— GoCoogs.com (@gocoogs1) March 11, 2023
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.
Obviously the only thing that really matters coming out of this is if Marcus Sasser will be 100% going forward. But I really like that, coming off a game where only Marcus played well offensively, UH has been forced to play without him and responded in damn impressive fashion
— jamal shead appreciators (scott & holman pawdcast) (@SHPawdcast) March 11, 2023
It has to be about getting UH star Marcus Sasser healthy for NCAA Tournament now for No. 1 Houston. Would seem to make little sense playing him in possible AAC title game. A Friday-Sunday site might be even more advantageous for Cougars now. Birmingham's Thursday-Saturday games.
— Chris Baldwin (@ChrisYBaldwin) March 11, 2023
Marcus definitely needs to be done for the AAC tournament. Can see him sitting out the first game of the NCAA tournament and possibly the second, depending on the draw as a precaution.
— coog57™ (@coog57) March 11, 2023
Does anyone freak Twitter out for a non-severe injury more than Marcus Sasser.
— Jonathon Warriner (@Bracketologist3) March 11, 2023
