While Houston was picked as a 1-seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, its journey to win the first national championship in school history begins as a star player deals with an injury.
Marcus Sasser, the 2023 American Athletic Conference Player of the Year, has been plagued by injuries in each of his last two seasons. His latest setback comes at an inopportune time as it limited him in the Cougars' win over Northern Kentucky in the Round of 64.
As Houston prepares for a date with Auburn, it has received a positive update on Sasser's status. Here's everything you need to know about his latest:
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What is Marcus Sasser's injury?
Sasser strained his groin against Cincinnati in the AAC tournament semifinals on Saturday, March 11 when he slipped on the floor into an awkward split.
He was initially listed as "probable to return" before his status changed at halftime.
Houston held Sasser out of the AAC championship game on Sunday, March 12, shifting the focus to making him available for the Round of 64 on Thursday, March 16.
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How long will Marcus Sasser be out?
Sasser returned to action for the NCAA Tournament but was limited to just 14 minutes of action. He was held out of the second half after re-aggravating his groin injury.
Houston squeaked out an 11-point victory over 16-seed Northern Kentucky, setting up a meeting with Auburn on Saturday, March 18.
On Friday, March 17, Sasser told reporters he was "100 percent" playing in Saturday's game, adding that "it's not a game-time decision, I'm going to go through practice (Friday), go through warm-ups (Saturday) and just be ready.
Marcus Sasser acknowledged, his decision to play tomorrow night is one of the biggest he’s ever made: “I’m playing 100%. It’s not a game-time decision..You can reinsure it. You re-aggravate it , but that’s not in my head. I’m just saying my prayers..We need this one tomorrow.” pic.twitter.com/4LsW5ndJpR
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) March 17, 2023
Sasser was a starter on Houston's Final Four team in 2021. He missed its run to the Elite Eight last year because of a foot injury. He's finished in double figures in all but five games that he's appeared in during the 2022-23 season.
Marcus Sasser 2022-23 season stats
- AAC Player of the Year
- 17.1 points per game
- 2.8 rebounds per game
- 3.2 assists per game
- 0.2 blocks per game
- 1.7 steals per game
- 1.6 turnovers per game
- 43.9% field goal shooting
- 38.3% three-point shooting
- 84% free throw shooting
