Busting Brackets
Fansided

NCAA Basketball Power Rankings: Ole Miss climbs, North Carolina dips

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Kermit Davis of the Mississippi Rebels is seen during the game against the Butler Bulldogs at Hinkle Fieldhouse on November 16, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Kermit Davis of the Mississippi Rebels is seen during the game against the Butler Bulldogs at Hinkle Fieldhouse on November 16, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
11 of 26
Next
WICHITA, KS – MARCH 15: Head coach Kelvin Sampson of the Houston Cougars reacts. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
WICHITA, KS – MARCH 15: Head coach Kelvin Sampson of the Houston Cougars reacts. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

16. Houston Cougars

Record: 16-1 (3-1 AAC)

Last Week: No. 12

Houston is no longer undefeated. After taking care of business in their first 15 games of the season, the Cougars finally suffered a defeat. This loss, which came at the hands of Temple, far from kills Houston’s resume but it does shed some light on how scheduling plays a role in the win-loss record. This performance also showed how important it can be for teams to test themselves on the road in non-conference play. Houston only played two total games away from home prior to kicking off AAC play and they fell in their true road game of the conference schedule.

Also, before you dive into my Twitter mentions about this, I want you to take note of the fact that I still have Houston as my No. 16 team in the country. I believe that the Cougars are one of the best teams in the nation thanks to their elite defense but I also think that they may continue to struggle on the road as they learn to win away from home. And with back-to-back road games against SMU and South Florida coming up on the schedule next, we will learn a fair amount about Houston soon.

Houston, in my opinion, is still the clear favorite to win the AAC and notch at least an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. Already at 16-1 on the year, the Cougars could easily boast a 20+ win season by the time January ends. You know what that would mean? See you in March.

Home/NCAA Basketball News