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Bracketology 2021: Duke, Michigan State and Houston among biggest losers

By Tristan Freeman

ANN ARBOR, MI - FEBRUARY 08: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans looks on in the first half of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena on February 8, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - FEBRUARY 08: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans looks on in the first half of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena on February 8, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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DeJon Jarreau #3, Quentin Grimes #24 Marcus Sasser #0 Houston Cougars Bracketology (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
DeJon Jarreau #3, Quentin Grimes #24 Marcus Sasser #0 Houston Cougars Bracketology (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

Houston Cougars (16-2, 10-2)

The Cougars have been impressive all season, both on the court and in the metrics. They’ve been ranked in the top-10 (No. 5 currently), while having a top-5 NET ranking as well. The reason why they’ve been somewhat under the radar is that they reside in the AAC, which currently doesn’t have another clear-cut team in the at-large picture.

That puts Houston in a tough spot when comparing its potential resume with other teams on the top seed lines. This team is on the shortlist of contenders for one of the two spots on the 1 seed line. A gaudy overall record without suffering bad losses is their best bet to get up there.

Unfortunately for the Cougars, their resume took a big hit on Wednesday, falling to East Carolina on the road, 82-73. The 82 points were the most given up all season by Houston, including 11 made three-pointers. Despite having a star player in Jayden Gardner, the Pirates are not a good team overall, currently in the bottom-tier of the AAC.

That loss is going to haunt the Cougars, as it gives them a real blemish on the resume, without a major opportunity to make it up. They’ll likely win almost all of their remaining games in the regular season and could win a few more in the conference tournament. But Houston likely will have to hope for a 2 seed, as their hopes for one of the top four overall spots might just be done.

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