The upcoming college basketball game between the Arizona Wildcats and Houston Cougars is a highly anticipated matchup with first place in the Big 12 Conference on the line. Scheduled for February 21, 2026, at 1 p.m. MT at Houston's Fertitta Center, the game features two top-ranked teams with Arizona as a 4.5-point underdog and Houston favored by 6.5 points according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Arizona, with a record of 24-2, is led by standout guards Jaden Bradley and Brayden Burries, who were recently honored on the Naismith Trophy’s late-season team. Houston, 23-3, boasts a strong home-court advantage and a disciplined, defensively disruptive style under coach Kelvin Sampson. The Cougars' key players include freshman Kingston Flemings, a top scorer and highly rated recruit, and experienced guards Milos Uzan and Emanuel Sharp. Houston's defense ranks among the best nationally, holding opponents to low shooting percentages and generating turnovers, though they are prone to fouling. Arizona's key players include Jaden Bradley, who recently posted a double-double, and the team has been navigating a tough schedule featuring multiple ranked opponents. The game will be broadcast on ABC, streamed on ESPN.com, and followed via radio and social media updates. Predictions from betting models suggest Houston's defense and home advantage give them a slight edge, with the model projecting a high-scoring game exceeding 141.5 points and favoring Houston to cover the spread. The matchup continues a series where Houston has won three straight, including last season's NCAA Sweet 16 and Big 12 Tournament victories, but Arizona aims to break that streak and claim top conference honors.