Walker, who last played on Feb. 19 and tore the meniscus in his knee during a Feb. 22 practice, was available off the bench, entering at 12:44 in the first half while Houston held a 13-4 lead.
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The 6-foot-4-inch sophomore immediately grabbed an offensive rebound, drew a foul, and made one of his first two free throws. He also added a steal and another rebound, playing in limited minutes.
Kelvin Sampson, who at 68 years old is the third-oldest head coach in the 2024 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, said Walker brings enormous energy and rebounding to a short-handed team. The Coogs lost Terrance Arceneaux and Joseph Tugler to season-ending injuries, with Walker thought to be lost, too.
Beyond Walker's energizing return, the Coogs' brutalizing defense quickly acquainted themselves with Longwood, who had turned the ball over 17 times. The Cougars made their living in the paint, outscoring the Lancers 40-14.
Houston also shot 47% from beyond the arc.
L.J. Cryer and Damian Dunn, a senior who came off the bench and averaged 17 minutes a game this season, each scored 17 points. All-American guard Jamal Shead was an assist shy of a double-double, registering an 11-point, nine-rebound night.
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An intriguing matchup awaits Houston. No. 9 Texas A&M advanced past No. 8 Nebraska earlier Friday in Memphis. The Coogs and the Aggies, former Southwest Conference mates, faced each other on Dec. 16, 2023, a UH victory.
They face off on Sunday for a spot in the Sweet Sixteen set for Dallas. A tip-off time wasn't immediately announced.
ABC13's Adam Winkler is with the team in Memphis. Tune into Eyewitness News broadcasts for live reports and reactions from the Coogs.
More coverage on UH's March Madness bid
- Coogs freshman developed affinity for teammate during NCAA Tournament
- No. 1 UH faces upset-minded Longwood Lancers, whose coach and 3 players have Houston ties
- Texas Longhorns advance, Texas Tech Red Raiders eliminated in 1st round
- UH wants the 'homecourt advantage' in Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight set for Dallas
- Houston Cougars guard Jamal Shead earns All-America 1st-Team honor ahead of 2024 March Madness
- Drake surprises UH basketball stars during March Madness watch party
- Where did No. 1 Houston Cougars and other Texas schools end up in March Madness?