Even with all the new faces, the Houston Cougars had great expectations following the program's first Final Four appearance in 37 years. In truth, those expectations were unfair.

The Cougars have performed exceptionally in the early stages of this season, with No. 15 Houston (7-1) producing a 111-44 home victory over Bryant last Friday that tied for the third-largest margin of victory in program history.

The Cougars will host Alcorn State (1-6) on Monday and, in all likelihood, will record a third consecutive blowout triumph.