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MARCH MADNESS: How can Houston stop Idaho’s fast-paced offense?

The Cougars will take on the Idaho Vandals on Thursday night in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Oklahoma City.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 04: Emanuel Sharp #21 of the Houston Cougars reacts after a three point basket against the Baylor Bears during the second half at Fertitta Center on March 04, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) (Alex Slitz, 2026 Getty Images)

With the first round of the NCAA Tournament on the horizon for the 2-seed Houston Cougars, they know all too well that anything can happen in the atmosphere of March Madness.

Their matchup with the 15-seed Idaho Vandals could be an upset if the Cougars can’t stop the Vandals’ high-powered offense, which averages 10 three-pointers per game.

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In Oklahoma City, before their first practice on the floor at the Paycom Center, the Cougars shared with us how they plan to try to slow down the Vandals.

“They got three play-makers who can put the ball on the floor and go get a basket,” said senior guard Milos Uzan. “I think the main thing for us is we’re gonna have to defend the three-point line, and limit them to one-shot opportunities.”

“We worked hard at that, pressing up, not allowing open threes, open catches,” said freshman forward Chase McCarty. “I feel like the last couple of games we’ve been lax on giving up threes, so we’ve made a heavy emphasis on the get-up, push up, and not let them be comfortable.”

The Cougars will tip off against the Vandals on Thursday at 9:10 p.m., given that the games beforehand don’t go longer than originally scheduled.