3-seeded University of Houston Cougars take on Georgia State Friday night in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Here are the keys to the game for a Coogs' win:Get off to a strong startGeorgia State University is 22-0 when leading at the half this season. Jeff Thomas, Devin Mitchell and Malik Benlevi all rank among Georgia State Top 10 all-time in career 3-point field goals made. The Cougars have to play their brand of basketball and out-hustle the Panthers if they want to avoid an upset. But his production on offense is a game changer and something that could prove to be vital to avoid a first-round loss.

HOUSTON – When Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby revealed that the Big 12 had voted to explore expansion for the ten team conference, many schools across the country wanted to be at the front of that line. University of Houston Board of Regents chairman Tilman Fertitta spoke with KPRC Channel 2 on Wednesday about the opportunity for Houston. ESPN conducted an anonymous survey of Big 12 coaches having them choose their top two candidates, not currently in a Power 5 conference, for expansion. For some reason they want to hold the eyeballs against us like they already own them in the Big 12, which I think the SEC does. "I don't care if there is 2 or 4, I just want the University of Houston in," Fertitta added.

HOUSTON – Damier Pitts scored 15 points and dished six assists to help Marshall beat Houston 66-58 Wednesday night. However, Marshall opened the second half on a 16-1 run to take a 39-32 lead with 13:26 left to play. Nigel Spikes came off the bench to grab 10 boards for Marshall in just 17 minutes as the Thundering Herd won the rebounding battle 43-40. Marshall shot 57.6 percent (19 of 33) in the second half, after shooting 31.3 percent (10 of 32) in the first half, and forced 15 Houston turnovers. Leon Gibson led Houston (12-14, 4-9) with 17 points.