Is Marcus Sasser playing vs. Northern Kentucky? Houston injury update for March Madness

Marcus Sasser is the engine that drives the Houston Cougars but will he suit up in the First Round of March Madness after an AAC Tournament injury?

For much of the season, Kelvin Sampson’s Houston Cougars have been one of the top teams in college basketball. This is a team that earned its No. 1 seed in March Madness, the second-overall seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. But there are questions as they head into the Big Dance, namely concerning veteran star guard Marcus Sasser.

Sasser has been the lifeblood of Houston as the straw that stirs the Cougars’ drink on both ends of the floor. Unfortunately, in the AAC Tournament semifinal matchup against Cincinnati, the 6-foot-2 guard slipped on a wet spot and injured his groin. While he was initially listed as probable to return, he did not. He then also missed the AAC Championship game against Memphis after being listed as a game-time decision.

After missing that game, the question on everyone’s mind is simple entering March Madness: Is Marcus Sasser going to play for Houston in the First Round matchup against Northern Kentucky?

Marcus Sasser injury update: Is Houston star playing vs. Northern Kentucky in March Madness?

There hasn’t been confirmation on if Sasser will play on Thursday, March 16 against the Norse. However, on Selection Sunday after Houston’s loss to Memphis without their leader on the floor, Sasser was asked about his health and said that he expects to be 100% come Thursday when the Cougars take the floor.

Having said that, there is still a chance that Sampson keeps his star out of the lineup. Houston is a heavy favorite over Northern Kentucky and should win without Sasser. More importantly, the Cougars have goals for a deep run in March Madness, not just winning their first game. Having Marcus Sasser on the floor is key for that.

Given that Sasser was injured in last year’s tournament as well with a foot problem, they know how vital he is to the team’s success. Thus, it’s likely that we could see Sasser either sit out to heal up even more or even just play limited minutes against the Norse.

Houston begins its NCAA Tournament run on Thursday, March 16 with a tip time set for 9:20 p.m. ET against Northern Kentucky.

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