NCAA Tournament 2019: Reranking the teams remaining in the Sweet 16

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 23: Brandon Clarke #15 and the Gonzaga Bulldogs celebrate after their win against the Baylor Bears in the Second Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 23, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

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TULSA, OKLAHOMA – MARCH 24: Davis Jr. #5 of the Cougars celebrate. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

14. Houston Cougars

Results: Wins over Georgia State (84-55) and Ohio State (74-59)

Houston, like Virginia Tech, could be much higher on this list but they were dropped due to a lesser level of competition in the NCAA Tournament so far. Due to the fact that they faced two double-digit seeds in the opening weekend, the Cougars have not really been tested yet in the Big Dance. Given that, though, it is important to mention that they wasted no time while dispatching both of their opponents. Houston recorded double-digit victories over both Georgia State and Ohio State while holding those opponents to fewer than 60 points each.

Houston’s biggest strength is obviously its defense but their offense should not be overlooked either. Corey Davis Jr. and Armoni Brooks make up a dangerous scoring backcourt that can be very difficult to match up with. The Cougars shoot the ball with volume and efficiency from beyond the 3-point arc and they can run away with victories in a hurry when they get hot. They also move the ball quite often offensively as they rank near the top of the nation in assists per made field goal.

Making the Sweet 16 was the expectation for Houston heading into the Big Dance but it was not prior to the season. Head coach Kelvin Sampson’s team has shattered preseason expectations and they have all of the necessary components to win it all.

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