As Kelvin Sampson was walking down the line of despondent Gonzaga players after his Cougars had just ended the Bulldogs season, the University of Houston coach took a little extra time with Khalif Battle,

With 14.2 seconds left, the Bulldogs—who had chipped away at Houston's lead for the entire second half—were within three points. And redshirt senior Khalif Battle had a chance

Gonzaga fans shared the same reaction when they learned the Zags’ NCAA Tournament seed on Selection Sunday, wincing, sighing and groaning when an “8” popped up next to the Zags' name near the end of the hourlong CBS show.