The Region of Death
South Region
Three championship contenders in one region
(1) Florida -- Florida enters as defending champions but faces a region loaded with Houston and Illinois. The 1-seed falls in the Elite Eight as Houston's revenge tour culminates in a rematch of the 2025 championship game.
South Region
Region Path: Houston to the Final Four
(2) Houston over (15) Idaho
Three returning starters from last year's championship game loss. Houston is on a revenge tour after losing the 2025 final to Florida 65-63. 15-seeds win just 6.88%.
(2) Houston over (10) Texas A&M
Revenge-tour Houston is locked in. Elite defense suffocates Texas A&M's offense. Houston's three returning championship game starters know what's at stake.
(2) Houston over (3) Illinois
THE COIN FLIP GAME. Illinois has the #1 offense, Houston has the #5 defense. But Houston has 3 returning starters from last year's title game — they've been here before. Tournament experience wins in a tight one. Houston 67-64.
(2) Houston over (1) Florida
REMATCH OF THE 2025 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. Florida won 65-63 last year. This time Houston gets revenge. Three starters who lived that heartbreak fuel a defensive masterclass. Houston holds Florida under 60 and avenges last year's loss. Houston 61-57.