In this cross-sport rematch of the 1969 Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl (UH 36-7), we're not quite sure what to make of the report that the Auburn flight to Houston on Friday had to turn around because of an altercation on board between two Tigers players. (Guys, take it easy...it's a long season!) But the Tigers eventually got to H-Town for this matchup vs. the Cougars. Kelvin Sampson's troops return four starters from last year's Sweet 16 entrant but the one who doesn't return was key...do-everything G and team leader Jamal Shead, now impressing for the NBA Raptors. Oklahoma transfer Milos Uzan now fills the PG role and had 10 assists vs. Jackson State in his Cougar debut on Monday, though Shead leaves some large shoes to fill.
if Bruce Pearl can keep his Tigers from fighting one another, this could be a special Tigers team, as reflected in the opening-night romp past capable Vermont on Wednesday when five Tigers scored in double-figures and Pearl cleared the bench, only to see the margin expand. One of the touted transfer, ex-Furman g JP Pegues, hit both of his triples, but Georgia Tech transfer Miles Kelly did him several better, hitting 7 of 9 beyond the arc in a smashing debut. Note this game not on campus at the UH Fertitta Pavilions, rather downtown at the NBA Rockets' Toyota Center. Play Auburn (at Toyota Center)