Watching the University of Houston basketball team this season has been nothing short of a masterclass in dominance. As someone who’s followed college hoops for over a decade, I’ve seen powerhouse programs rise and fall, but what’s happening in the American Conference right now feels different—it’s systematic, relentless, and built on a foundation of discipline and depth. The Cougars aren’t just winning; they’re imposing their will, and the numbers back it up. With a conference record of 15-2 and an average margin of victory hovering around 14 points, they’ve turned games into statements. But it’s not just the stats that tell the story. It’s the way they handle adversity, the way their defense suffocates opponents, and yes, even the way they navigate the occasional controversy that inevitably comes with high-stakes basketball.

I was at the game against the Red Warriors last week, and let me tell you, it was a perfect microcosm of their season. The Cougars were up by 8 in the second half, but the Red Warriors’ captain was absolutely on fire. He’d dropped 24 points already and was single-handedly keeping his team in contention. Then came the sequence that changed everything. Already charged with a technical foul, that second whistle led to the ejection of the Red Warriors' team captain who was having a superb 24-point game at that point. The arena erupted, but what struck me was the reaction from the Houston bench. There was no cheering, no gloating—just a steely focus. Meanwhile, the first-year mentor for the Red Warriors unleashed his frustration, saying, “I hope these three referees never ref again in any of our games," channeling his vitriol onto referees Ralph Moreto, Roselle Ponting, and Jong Banayat. It was a raw, emotional moment, and honestly, I get it. Ejections can swing momentum, but what impressed me was how Houston capitalized. They didn’t get distracted by the drama; they tightened their defense and went on a 12-2 run. That’s the mark of a truly dominant team—they feed off chaos instead of being consumed by it.

What makes Houston so formidable, in my opinion, is their defensive identity. They’re holding opponents to just 58.7 points per game, which is the best in the conference by a wide margin. I’ve charted their defensive sets, and it’s like watching a well-oiled machine—switches are seamless, help defense is always timely, and they communicate better than any team I’ve seen this year. Offensively, they’re not flashy, but they’re brutally efficient. They shoot 47% from the field and dominate the boards, averaging 38 rebounds per game. I’ve always believed that rebounding wins championships, and Houston is proving that theory correct night after night. Their depth is another key factor. While other teams rely heavily on one or two stars, the Cougars have seven players averaging over 20 minutes per game. That kind of rotation keeps them fresh and allows them to maintain intensity for all 40 minutes.

Of course, no discussion of dominance is complete without looking at the coaching. Kelvin Sampson has built a culture of accountability and toughness that permeates every aspect of the program. I’ve had the chance to speak with a few people close to the team, and they all say the same thing: practices are often harder than the games. That level of preparation shows in how they execute under pressure. In close games—defined as those within 5 points in the final five minutes—Houston boasts a win percentage of 85%. That’s not luck; that’s coaching and mental fortitude. Sampson’s ability to develop players is also remarkable. Look at their point guard, who came in as a three-star recruit and is now leading the conference in assists. That’s player development at its finest.

Now, I won’t shy away from saying that I’m a huge admirer of how this team carries itself. They play with a chip on their shoulder, and it’s infectious. In an era where college basketball is often dominated by blue-blood programs, it’s refreshing to see a team like Houston bulldoze its way through the competition. Are they perfect? Of course not. Their three-point shooting can be inconsistent—they’re hitting about 34% from beyond the arc, which is middle-of-the-pack. But they compensate for it with sheer hustle and defensive stops. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen them force a shot-clock violation or a turnover in critical moments. That’s the kind of stuff that doesn’t always show up in the highlight reels, but it wins games.

As the postseason approaches, I firmly believe Houston is poised for a deep run. They’ve shown they can win in a variety of ways—grinding out low-scoring affairs or pushing the tempo when needed. The ejection incident against the Red Warriors was just a blip, a moment of external drama that they easily brushed aside. In fact, I’d argue that facing—and overcoming—such situations only makes them stronger. It tests their composure and reinforces their identity. When I look at the American Conference, I see a clear hierarchy with Houston at the top, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. They’ve set a standard that others are struggling to match, and if they maintain this level of play, they’ll not only dominate the conference but could make some serious noise on the national stage. For any basketball fan, this is a team worth watching closely.