Jarace Walker Named The American Rookie of the Week

HOUSTON – Leading the University of Houston Men's Basketball program to a pair of wins, University of Houston stars Jarace Walker and senior guard Marcus Sasser received weekly awards from the American Athletic Conference on Monday.

Walker was named the league's Rookie of the Week for the second time this season. Sasser earned a place on the league's Honor Roll after receiving his first Player of the Week accolade on Nov. 21.

Both student-athletes played key roles in the Cougars' 74-46 win over North Carolina A&T inside the Fertitta Center on Tuesday and Houston's 69-61 win at #2/2 Virginia on Saturday afternoon.

The latter was the school's first Top-Two road win during the regular season in school history.

ABOUT JARACE WALKER
Walker started both games, averaging 13.0 points and 5.5 rebounds pe game while hitting 55.6 percent of his shots from the field.

The New Freedom, Pa., native scored nine points on 4-of-7 shooting and grabbed four rebounds, including two offensive boards, in a home win over North Carolina A&T on Tuesday.

Walker enjoyed a career day in the Cougars' 69-61 win at #2/2 Virginia. He led all players with 17 points and seven rebounds and tied for team-high honors with four assists.

He took over the game late in the second half as the Cougars seized control. With the Houston lead trimmed to 54-48 with less than four minutes remaining and the crowd of 14,629 on its feet, Walker scored or assisted on the Cougars' next seven points to rebuild a double-digit advantage.

Walker first junior point guard Jamal Shead for an assist on a layup with 3:16 remaining. After Virginia moved to within 56;50, he fed an assist to guard Tramon Mark for a 3-pointer with less than three minutes left. Following a Cavalier turnover, he buried a fadeaway turnaround jumper with 1:42 left for an 11-point Houston lead.

This season, Walker ranks second on the team with 10.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. Starting all 12 games to date, he has connected on 49.0 percent (49-of-100) from the field and is averaging 2.5 offensive rebounds per contest.

ABOUT MARCUS SASSER
In two games last week, Sasser averaged a team-best 15.0 points per game and led the Cougars in field goals (10), 3-point field goals (5), 3-point field goal attempts (15) and steals (2.0 spg).

The Dallas native tied for team-high honors with 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting from the field, including 2-of-5 from the 3-point line, and added four rebounds with two assists and a steal against the Aggies.

Sasser posted 13 points and led all players with three 3-pointers in the Cougars' first road win at #2/2 Virginia.

He also dished out three assists and swiped a game-high three steals without a turnovers against the Cavaliers.

This season, Sasser leads the Cougars and ranks among The American Top-10 leaders with 15.9 points per game.

He also stands second among the Cougars in assists per game (2.8) and steals per game (1.7).

Memphis guard Kendric Davis was named The American Player of the Week. UCF guard C.J Kelly, Cincinnati guard David DeJulius, East Carolina guard RJ Felton and South Florida center Russel Tchewa joined Sasser on the league's Honor Roll.

BUY 2022-23 TICKETS
Fans may purchase single-game tickets for the Cougars' 18 regular-season home games inside the Fertitta Center. Supplies are limited, and fans are encouraged to purchase soon before they run out.

To purchase single-game tickets, fans may call the Athletics Ticket Office at 713-GO-COOGS (462-6647) during regular business hours or click here any time.
The
For the third straight season, the Cougars sold out of their season tickets for home games inside the Fertitta Center.

Fans who were unable to purchase season tickets in 2022-23 are invited to join the team's 2023-24 Wait List as the Cougars prepare to enter the Big 12 Conference. To join the 2023-24 season tickets Wait List, fans can click here.

UP NEXT
• Walker, Sasser and the Cougars meet McNeese at 7 p.m., Wednesday, inside the Fertitta Center in the Cougars' final non-conference regular-season game of the season.
• Following Wednesday's game, Houston opens its American Athletic Conference slate when it meets Tulsa at 8 p.m., Dec. 28, inside the Reynolds Center in Tulsa, Okla. That game will air on ESPN2 or ESPNU.
• From there, the Cougars open their league schedule in the Fertitta Center when they play host to UCF at 1 p.m., New Year's Eve. That game will air on ESPN+
• All Houston Men's Basketball games can be heard on 950 AM KPRC.

SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference.

Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win when we start Big 12 competition in July 2023. Click here to rise and be counted.

JOIN the 50-50-CLUB
Fans are invited to join the 50-50 Club to support Houston Men's Basketball. 50-50 Club members help fund program necessities and enhance the experience for our student-athletes.

Fans who join the 50-50 Club will receive embroidered Jordan Brand team apparel, invitations to exclusive events, regular updates about the program and much more.

For more information or to sign up, fans may visit uhcougars.com/5050club or click here. To join the 50-50 Club, fans may call Cougar Pride at 713-743-GoUH (4687).

STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarMBK on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarMBK or by visiting the team's Instagram page at UHCougarMBK.

– UHCougars.com –

Upcoming Events

Recent Results