"We don't approach any game differently, and that's how this team is built," UH guard Emanuel Sharp said ahead of the game.

UH, the No. 1 seed in the Midwest region, will face No. 16 SIU-Edwardsville at 1 p.m. Thursday in a first-round game that will be televised on TBS.

The #2/2 University of Houston Men’s Basketball program takes its first step into March Madness when it tips off vs. (16) SIUE during the NCAA Tournament Midwest Region First Round at 1 p.m., Thursday,