March Madness: Top takeaways from 2019 NCAA Tournament Round of 64

By Brian Rauf | Mar 23, 2019

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 22: Evan Leonard #14 of the UC Irvine Anteaters celebrates a three-point shot with Max Hazzard #2 in the second half against the Kansas State Wildcats during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 22, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) /

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TULSA, OKLAHOMA – MARCH 22: Fabian White Jr. #35, Galen Robinson Jr. #25 and Breaon Brady #24 of the Houston Cougars celebrate from the bench against the Georgia State Panthers during the second half in the first round game of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at BOK Center on March 22, 2019 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

6) Watch out for Houston

Elsewhere in the American is Houston, who was the only top seed who didn’t really struggle in their blowout victory over Georgia State.

Another popular upset pick, the Cougars erased any doubt early. They build a double-digit lead within the first five minutes of the game and pushed that advantage to 20 early in the second half as they cruised to the 84-55 victory.

Their defense was as dominant as it has been all season and their offense continued its recent hot streak as five players scored at least nine points, including Corey Davis Jr.‘s 26 points. Houston also shot over 50 percent from the floor.

The Cougars are one of the most balanced teams in the country and the path for a long tournament run is opening up before them. Ohio State is a double-digit seed that Houston will be a big favorite against and Kentucky might be without their best player in PJ Washington should the two teams meet in the Sweet 16.

Houston is not a team that gets a lot of publicity, but you’re going to want to pay attention to them – they are absolutely a factor in the Final Four picture.

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