The sophomore center and fourth-seeded team in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament aren't lacking confidence ahead of their matchup on Friday against the top-seeded Houston Cougars.
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Duke isn't cocky either, but the belief runs deep for the five-time national champions.
On UH's side, Coogs' leader, Jamal Shead, stayed true to their approach.
"I think we prepare just like any other game. (Duke is) a great program. They're known for great things. They should be," Shead said in Dallas, the site of the South Region's Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight rounds.
The Cougars ran through a brief open practice on Thursday ahead of Friday's matchup. It's a business trip on the road to the Final Four, but Cougars, like Ramon Walker, admit the matchup with Duke is "a dream come true."
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The Cougars will rely on their defense, the nation's best, against a Duke team that has five players averaging double figures in scoring.
It's a unique challenge, and head coach Kelvin Sampson will have UH ready. Tip-off on Friday is set for 8:39 p.m. CT.
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