UH Cougars going to second round of NCAA Tournament, Marcus Sasser to play Saturday

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The University of Houston men's basketball team, who happens to be the top seed in the Midwest Region of the NCAA Tournament, scored a big victory on Friday when All-American guard Marcus Sasser said he would play in the Cougars' second-round match-up with Auburn.

SUGGESTED: Mattress Mack provides way for families of Houston Cougars to attend NCAA tournament

"I'm gonna be there playing -- 100%" the senior star told reporters.

Sasser left Thursday's first-round win over Northern Kentucky just before halftime and did not return, after feeling discomfort with a groin injury suffered in the American Athletic Conference Tournament. UH struggled in Sasser's absence, before squeaking out a 63-52 win.

RELATED: Sasser hurt anew as top seed Houston beats Northern Kentucky

Junior point guard Jamal Shead, who hyperextended his knee in the win over NKU, says he is also a full-go for Saturday night's contest with Auburn.