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GAME NOTES: First-round action in the Conference-USA Tournament will begin this afternoon when the seventh-seeded Houston Cougars take on the 10th-seeded East Carolina Pirates at the BOK Center.

The Pirates could not find a consistent groove throughout the season and stumbled into the 10th seed with a meager 4-12 ledger in conference action. East Carolina lost four of its last six matchups during the regular season, and comes into this contest looking for its first-ever C-USA tournament victory (0-6).

As for the Cougars, they finished with a 7-9 mark in conference play, which landed the team with the seventh spot in tournament. Houston, which is just 8-12 all-time in this tournament, also closed out its regular season with four losses in its last six matchups.

The Cougars have won seven of the nine all-time matchups against East Carolina, and that includes a 74-55 victory earlier this season.

The Pirates have been inconsistent throughout the season offensively, and come into this tournament averaging just 66.7 ppg, behind a 43.3 percent shooting effort. However, the team does have three players that have thrived on the year, beginning with Brock Young who is posting 15.3 ppg, to go along with 166 assists. Darrius Morrow has been the top option in the paint for ECU, as the forward is netting 12.3 ppg, and is also pulling down 6.6 rpg, while Jamar Abrams is contributing 11.3 ppg. On top of the lack of success offensively, the team has also struggled defensively, allowing 74.3 ppg.

The Cougars have also dealt with major problems defensively, as the team is surrendering 75.0 ppg on the season. Houston has also done a terrible job on the glass, and is losing the battle on the boards by an 8.7 rpg margin. Fortunately the Cougars have been one of the most dangerous scoring teams in the conference, and come into this tournament averaging an impressive 78.7 ppg, but at the same time the team is shooting just 41.9 percent. Aubrey Coleman has been the most explosive player in the league and that is proven by his national-best 26.0 ppg. Coleman, who was selected as a First-Team All C- USA member also grabbed 7.5 rpg. Kelvin Lewis is the only other player posting double figures for Houston, as the guard is netting 15.1 ppg.

Neither team has performed well defensively, but the Cougars are much stronger offensively, and have a difference-maker in Coleman that should help Houston earn the victory.