Reports: Houston's Marcus Sasser major doubt for first-round matchup against Northern Kentucky

Houston's All-American guard Marcus Sasser returned to the lineup for their first-round matchup against Northern Kentucky. Sasser missed the AAC tournament final for the Cougars due to a hamstring injury.

However, it seems like Sasser re-injured his groin in the first half. He looked to be in pain while on the bench, with his right leg wrapped up. CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein reported that the 22-year-old guard is questionable to return for Houston in the second half.

The Cougars had a good first half, but the Norse are proving to be a tough matchup. Houston is looking to avoid becoming just the second No. 1 team to lose in the first round.

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When did Marcus Sasser initially suffer the injury?

Marcus Sasser of Houston

Marcus Sasser initially suffered the groin injury in Houston's semifinal matchup against Cincinnati in the AAC tournament on Saturday. Sasser slipped on the floor and awkwardly split before grabbing his groin in pain with a grimace on his face.

The injury caused Sasser to miss the Cougars' 75-65 loss to the Memphis Tigers in the AAC tournament final. He underwent treatment at the team hotel before appearing at open practice on Wednesday.

This is not Sasser's first injury during an NCAA tournament. He missed Houston's run to the Elite Eight last year due to a foot injury. The groin injury might not be a major issue, but the Cougars struggled without Sasser in their first-round win over Northern Kentucky.

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Houston survives against Northern Kentucky, moves on to second round against Auburn

Northern Kentucky vs Houston

Houston survived their first-round matchup against Northern Kentucky 63-52 on Thursday despite Marcus Sasser's absence in the second half. Sasser re-injured his groin late in the first half, finishing with just five points and two rebounds in 14 minutes.

Jarace Walker came up big for the Cougars with 16 points and six rebounds, while J'wan Roberts contributed 11 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. Emmanuel Sharp filled in for Sasser and scored 10 points off the bench.

Meanwhile, Sam Vinson led the Norse with 15 points and eight rebounds. It's the end of the road for Northern Kentucky, while Houston will face Auburn in the second round on Saturday at Legacy Arena. The Cougars are at a disadvantage despite being the higher seed as the game will be played in Birmingham.