Looking at Houston’s shooting only 42 percent over three games gives us no clue why Houston finds itself with a 3-0 record.

As Houston’s offensive system is predicated on Houston dominating the offensive glass and thus getting more scoring opportunities than their opponents. Sampson accomplishes by sending two players into the paint when the Houston shoots the ball. Although I’m not certain, last night it looked-like that on many of Houston’s possessions either one or both of those players were in the paint for more than 3-seconds and such was not called.

Such an offensive system has allowed Houston to recover close to 20 per cent of a their missed shots ( an astounding 15.7 per game), which resulted in additional Houston shots. Houston ranks 3rd in the nation in garnering offensive rebounds. Their opponents are averaging but 8.7 offensive rebounds per game, a huge Houston positive differential on offensive rebounds.

By Houston keeping it’s offensive system rather simple, and iby Sampson having it’s defense trap the ball, has also allowed Houston to have a positive turnover margin of 4.3 per game, and once againeven scoring opportunities than their opponents do.

That style of play fell apart for Houston last night when Texas Tech applied a full and half- court pressure defense, resulting in Houston scoring but 27 points on only six baskets scored ( 3-baskets were two-point shots) in the second half. If Texas Tech had applied it’s pressure defense in the first half and made their foul-shots, the game may have had a far different outcome.

As applying a pressure defense against Houston in half- court sets keeps Sampson from stationing to guys in position to get offensive rebounds and makes them move away from the hoop to help out it’s perimeter players.

Opponents need to also concentrate on limiting both Sasser and Grimes on the perimeter in shooting three’s as both have great range.

Houston should have a nice run in conference play as Pesik has correctly pointed out 70 percent and possibly more conference teams are not good offensive teams. As last season, the AAC ranked 30 out of 32 conferences in 3-point shooting percentages., As such, it’s difficult to see Houston making it to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA tournament.

Really found Sampson behavior on the court offensive last night. Had no right dressing down Mark l, a freshman, as he did last night.