This is a team no Big 12 team wants to see in the tournament and even a team no one wants to face in the NCAA Tournament. In their first season in the Big 12, the Cougars have proven that they are true elites and they didn't just benefit from playing in a lower level conference in the American Atheltic conference.
The Cougars have a defense that can suffocate even the best offenses. It is a defense that plays all 40 minutes and just does not let up. Kansas State struggled a lot when they went up against the Cougars earlier in the season. It was the lowest points Kansas State has scored all year long.
This Houston team is scary and they are the biggest threat to Kansas. At this point, Houston seems to be taking the regular season title and they are favored to win the tournament. If Kansas State wants to have a deep Big 12 Tournament run, they need to hopefully avoid this Houston team as long as possible.