The Houston Cougars played their worst game of the season on Sunday after a shaky effort against Memphis on Saturday. Houston fell to Cincinnati in the finals of the American Conference Tournament on Sunday, losing 69-57.
Still, they landed a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament. They will face Georgia State in the first round, and most likely No. 6 seed Iowa State in the second. The Cougars will play in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Despite the shaky weekend, the Cougars finished 31-3. Their best player, senior Corey Davis, is dealing with an injury. But if he is OK, they should at least make the Sweet 16. Anything less would be a disappointment.
The Cougars could theoretically get Kentucky in the Sweet 16 and North Carolina in the Elite 8. If they can run that gauntlet, they would make the Final Four.
Several other teams from Texas (and of interest to Houstonians) made the tournament as well:
Prairie View will play in the First Four after winning the SWAC. They face Farleigh Dickinson.
LSU is a three seed and will face Yale in the East Region.
Baylor is a nine seed and will face Syracuse in the West Region.
Texas Tech is a three seed in the West and will face Northern Kentucky.
Abilene Christian (27-6) faces No. 2 seed Kentucky (27-6).
The AAC got in UCF, Cincinnati and Temple in addition to UH. The Big 12 got six, but TCU and Texas failed to get in.
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Listen Live
Former Lone Star rivals meet again in Clemson-Texas playoff matchup
Dec 17, 2024, 4:13 pm
Derek Stingley Jr. snagged two crucial interceptions against Miami. Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.
The Texans defense came through once again on Sunday, as they were able to hold the Dolphins to just twelve points, helping to secure a 20-12 win for Houston.
Sunday's victory, paired with a Colts loss, also clinched another division title for Houston, which guarantees they'll host a home playoff game. This is significant because Houston has played much better at home, and given some of the NFL's best quarterbacks fits.
However, the offense just hasn't clicked consistently this year, for a variety of reasons.
With all this in mind, how far can this defense take the Texans?
Be sure to watch the video above as the crew from ESPN Houston's Gallant and George weigh in.