NCAA Tournament - Houston injuries concerning as 2nd round showdown vs. Auburn awaits

Yahoo Sports college basketball writer Krysten Peek recaps 1-seed Houston’s victory over 16-seed Northern Kentucky in the first round of the NCAA Tournament while looking ahead to their 2nd round matchup vs. Auburn.

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- It wasn't pretty, but the number 1 seed in the Midwest region, Houston, advances to the second round after defeating number 16 Northern Kentucky 63-52. Senior point guard Marcus Sasser returned to the court after suffering a groin injury, but didn't play the entire second half, finishing with only 5 points. Houston turned the ball over 17 times and was rattled by Northern Kentucky's full court pressure and traps in the halfcourt set. With Sasser sidelined, freshman guard Emanuel Sharp came off the bench and hit a couple of big shots in the second half, finishing with 10 points.

It was the defensive presence of Jarace Walker and the high-low game in the post that was the difference in the game. Walker posted 16 points, six rebounds, and two blocks in the win. Head Coach Kelvin Sampson mentioned after the game that junior guard Jamal Shead is playing with a knee injury as he finished with 13 points and six assists.

Houston will face the number 9 Auburn in Birmingham, Alabama on Saturday, giving Sasser a few more days to rest up and recover. And for continual coverage on the NCAA tournament and all college hoops news, keep it right here on "Yahoo Sports."