During tournament, competitive Coogs turn to video game battles to unwind

INDIANAPOLIS — As the University of Houston prepares for a late-night NCAA tournament matchup against Purdue players always find ways to stay sharp and entertained.

Video games have become the team’s primary pastime, according to most of the players. Some engage in intense gaming series that stretch for weeks. “We say best out of three,” guard Terrance Arceneaux said. “Then it goes on for about a month.”

Graduate guard L.J. Cryer is particularly competitive, with an ongoing video game series against teammate Jacob McFarland. The current score stands at 20-17, with personal stakes on the line. “If he wins, I gotta cut my hair down,” McFarland told KHOU 11’s Jason Bristol.

“And if I win?  I don’t know what I get.”

Head coach Kelvin Sampson seems unfazed by Friday’s late 10 p.m. game time. His players will be fine. He’s more concerned with his grandchildren’s iPad entertainment. “There’s just so much “Dino Ranch” you can put on the iPads,” Sampson said.

“We had a late game in Wichita against Gonzaga. I don’t remember what time that game started, but I know that riding the bus back to the plane, my grandson was laying on one leg asleep and my granddaughter was up against my shoulder asleep. So, when I saw the time come out, my first thought was them.”

The team’s approach reflects a loose but focused attitude as it prepares for a crucial tournament game.

Video games help pass the time.

“L.J. doesn’t like losing,” Roman Walker Jr. added. “If you beat L.J., there’s never not a time he’s not going to ask for a rematch.”

Cryer agrees.

“I’m definitely going to keep playing until I’m up,” he said with a chuckle. “We can play for as long as I want to play, honestly.”