HOUSTON - The Den Campus Pub at the University of Houston is getting ready for a crowd it didn't anticipate -- basketball fans.
With a win over UTEP in the Conference USA championship game Saturday, the Cougars secured themselves a spot in the men's NCAA Tournament.
"This will be the party headquarters," Den Campus Pub manager Stever Barron said.
There will be plenty to celebrate. Houston hasn't been to the Tournament since 1992.
"I think Houston is pretty excited," Houston senior Anjali Sharma said.
Even though fan support has been weak this season, students hope the team's big win over UTEP will light a fire under the Cougar nation.
"It always takes something to happen that is unexpected. The same thing with the football team after they won the conference championship in '06. Students started coming more to the games," Houston senior Ashlee Payne said.
Judging from the welcome the Coogs got as they rolled into Houston Saturday night, that fire may very well be lit.
"It's a great time to be a Cougar right now. It's easy to see the fans are ready to wear red," Coogs fan Kate Gaviola said.
