What is the current status of the Houston Cougars men’s basketball team as March Madness approaches?

The University of Houston men’s basketball team faced a significant challenge in its debut season in the Big 12 conference, falling to the Kansas Jayhawks 78-65 on Saturday.

Following the loss, Houston dropped one spot in both the Associated Press Top 25 and Coaches Poll, sliding from No. 4 to No. 5.

Despite the setback, Coach Kelvin Sampson’s team remains a prominent contender as March Madness approaches.

ESPN’s Bracketology predicts Houston to emerge as the Big 12 Conference tournament champion and secure the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament’s South Region, with the Final Four taking place in Dallas.

Houston’s impressive resume includes notable victories against Texas A&M, Dayton, Texas Tech, BYU, and Texas.

Bracketology also forecasts other Texas schools, including Texas Tech, Texas, TCU, Baylor, and Texas A&M, making appearances in the tournament. Among them, Baylor holds the highest ranking as a No. 4 seed, while TCU and Texas A&M are projected as 10-seeds.

With a current record of 19-3 overall and leading in the Big 12, Houston returned to the Fertitta Center on Tuesday, defeating Oklahoma State 79-63, despite Coach Sampson’s ejection during the game.

Looking ahead, Houston’s schedule includes matchups against Cincinnati, Texas, Iowa State, Baylor, and other opponents leading up to the Big 12 Men’s Basketball Championship from March 12-16 in Kansas City. Selection Sunday for the NCAA Tournament is scheduled for March 17.