The upcoming college basketball game between the Arizona Wildcats and Houston Cougars is set for February 21, 2026, at the Fertitta Center in Houston, Texas. This matchup features first place in the Big 12 Conference on the line, with Arizona entering as a 4.5-point underdog according to FanDuel Sportsbook, and the game’s over/under set at 141.5. Arizona, ranked No. 4 with a 24-2 record, is looking to avenge three consecutive losses to Houston under coach Tommy Lloyd, who emphasizes the importance of offensive rebounding and defensive resilience. Houston, ranked No. 2 with a 23-3 record, has won three straight games against Arizona, including last season’s NCAA Sweet 16 victory. The Cougars are known for their disruptive defense, ranking seventh in defensive efficiency, and their disciplined offense, ranking highly in turnover percentage and offensive rebounding. Key players for Houston include freshman Kingston Flemings, who averages 16.6 points and is recognized as a top recruit, and senior guard Milos Uzan. Arizona counters with guard Jaden Bradley, who recently posted a double-double, and Brayden Burries, the team’s leading scorer with 15.5 points per game. Arizona is missing Koa Peat due to injury, which impacts their frontcourt depth. The Wildcats have faced a challenging schedule, including multiple ranked opponents, and are seeking to secure their first win at Houston since 2008. The game will be broadcast on ABC at 1 p.m. MT, with streaming available on ESPN.com and radio coverage on Wildcats Sports Radio 1290 AM. Predictions from SportsLine’s model favor Houston, projecting a high-scoring game with the total likely to go over 141.5 points, and indicating Houston as the probable winner. Experts highlight Houston’s physical defense and offensive rebounding as critical factors, while Arizona aims to leverage its backcourt talent and resilience. This game marks a significant point in the Big 12 season, with Arizona aiming to solidify its top-tier status against a formidable Houston team that is considered a strong contender for the NCAA Tournament. Both teams are motivated to claim the conference lead and improve their tournament seeding prospects.