Many observers saw the Arizona Wildcats going all the way this year at March Madness. Unfortunately for Montreal’s Bennedict Mathurin and his teammates, the Houston Cougars were superior and had the best Thursday night, 72-60, in San Antonio, Texas.
Posted at 12:34 a.m.
The tournament therefore stops at the “Sweet 16” stage, or in the semi-finals of the southern section, for the favorites of the division. The Wildcats did not play badly, but lacked opportunism. Whether by the number of missed shots, mishandled rebounds or offensive turnovers.
The Cougars, seeded fifth in the division, proved why they can count on one of the best defenses in the country. They didn’t give their opponents an inch and led from start to finish.
They imposed their rhythm in the first half by returning to the locker room with a 34-28 lead.
Arizona thus becomes the second team considered first seed to fall after the defending champions, the Baylor Bears, who were eliminated in the second round.
Bennedict Mathurin was unable to work his magic like in the previous match. The Montrealer struggled with his three-point shots, among other things. He missed his first six shots of the game. He regained the upper hand as the meeting progressed, notably returning his next four attempts, but in vain.
Unfortunately, his impact was limited in the game. He had to settle for 15 points.
The course of the Quebecer was still noticed in his first experience at March Madness even though he only played three games. In the first meeting, he had collected 18 points, then 30 in the second.
Houston will face the Villanova Wildcats in the next round.