HBU Huskies men's basketball extend season; will play in CBI Tournament

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2016, All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2016 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 15, 2016) In the press conference after their loss to the SFA Lumberjacks in the Southland Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament, Houston Baptist University head basketball coach Ron Cottrell was asked how he could use their semi-final appearance to build for next season. He stated their hope was the season was not over. On Sunday, March 13, 2016, their wish was answered when they were invited to compete in the College Basketball Invitational (CBI) tournament.

The Huskies are one of 16 teams selected to play in the single-elimination tournament and will face the University of North Carolina-Greensboro on Wednesday, March 16. The game will be played at Greensboro Coliseum with a 7 p.m. EDT tipoff. The Spartans bring a 14-18 record into game after winning five of their last six games. The Huskies posted a 16-15 record in 2016, including a 10-8 record in Southland Conference play.

This will be their first appearance in the post-season since HBU returned to NCAA Division I in 2007. The Huskies have previous made 11 appearances in the post-season in program history under Cottrell, including 10 consecutive NAIA tournament appearance. HBU will be led by senior Anthony Odunsi, who was named first team All-Southland Conference. The Sugar Land, Texas native played in 32 games for the Huskies, averaging 17.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. Sophomore Josh Ibarra lead the conference in field goal percentage, connecting on 63.1% of his attempts while senior Jourdan Stickler held the top mark for three-point percentage with 45.9%. For his play. Ibarra was honored with an honorable mention All-Conference selection.