The stage is set for an anticipated matchup as Rider faces No. 2 Houston on Thursday night. Despite a significant discrepancy in expectations, with many believing this will be a lopsided affair, Rider’s head coach Kevin Baggett sheds light on the reason behind his team’s challenging schedule: financial necessity. The New Jersey university recently made headlines by announcing a 14% cut to employee salaries and a 25% reduction in faculty, prompting Baggett to emphasize the importance of this game for the institution’s financial health. “It doesn’t help our record by no means, but at the end of the day, whatever I can do to help the university, I’ll do,” he explained.
Rider enters this matchup after a tough 99-65 loss to Texas, which may diminish their confidence going into a game against a dominant Houston team, known for its exceptional talent and competitive spirit. The Cougars have been making headlines with their young roster, particularly freshman point guard Kingston Flemings, who recently delivered a standout performance with 22 points in a narrow win against Auburn. Flemings boasts impressive stats, averaging 17.3 points and 5.3 assists while shooting an extraordinary 69.2% from the floor.
With the Cougars looking to build momentum for a deep run in March Madness, they are keen to improve on their dominant performances, including a 33-point victory over Oakland earlier this season. However, Rider’s struggles, particularly from three-point range where they are shooting just 23.2%, could make it difficult for them to keep pace. Given these recent performances and statistics, predictions suggest a significant margin in favor of Houston.
As the game approaches, expectations remain high for Houston, while Rider seeks to make a statement despite the odds stacked against them. This matchup serves as a reminder of the financial realities facing many athletic programs, underscoring the delicate balance between athletics and academia in collegiate sports.