7. Houston (15-1)
The Cougars played impressively on offense but were pushed to the limit in a 3-point loss to Tennessee in Las Vegas back in November, but that remains the only blemish for this team. You could argue whether or not this team matches up to last year’s squad, a group that played for the national title, but it’s clear that Houston can make serious noise once again in a very strong Big 12.
The Cougars started this week with another ranked win, surviving a talented Texas Tech squad for a 69-66 home victory. Kingston Flemings had 23 points while Emanuel Sharp added 17 points in a game with almost no bench scoring for either team. Houston just kept rolling over the weekend, outlasting Baylor 77-55 on the road. Sharp had 17 points while Joseph Tugler had a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds against the Bears.
A quick 3-0 start in league play has featured two road wins and a solid effort against a ranked Texas Tech squad just a few days ago. The Cougars come ready to play and face every challenge and Kelvin Sampson truly does look to have another team that can make a deep postseason run. Immense challenges remain in this tough league, but Houston has it relatively easy, facing just West Virginia and Arizona State at home in the next ten days.