Arizona Wildcats vs Houston Cougars Picks and Prediction for Saturday, February 21 2026
Arizona visits Houston on Saturday in Big 12 play. Arizona is 24-2 overall and tied for first in the Big 12 at 11-2 after a 75-68 win over BYU. Houston is 23-3 overall and also 11-2 in conference play following a 70-67 road loss at Iowa State. Arizona has won three of its last five games, while Houston has won four of its last five. With both teams tied atop the standings, this matchup has major conference implications. Cash a winner with our free college basketball picks.
Game Information
- Date: Saturday, February 21
- Time: 3:00 PM ET
- Location: Fertitta Center, Houston, TX
- TV: ABC
Arizona Wildcats Preview
Arizona averages 87.7 points per game while allowing just 68.6. The Wildcats are shooting 51% from the field. Brayden Burries averages 15.5 points per game to lead Arizona, and Koa Peat is the second leading scorer at 13.8 points per game. Tobe Awaka grabs 9.6 rebounds per game, while Jaden Bradley averages 4.7 assists. Bradley also leads the team with 1.7 steals per game, and Motiejus Krivas averages 1.9 blocks. Arizona averages 43.7 rebounds per game and continues to push tempo offensively.
Injury Report: Dwayne Aristode is out, while Koa Peat is Questionable.
Key Stats – Per Game
- Points: 87.7
- Points Allowed: 68.6
- Rebounds: 43.7
- Assists: 17.7
- Steals: 8.3
- Blocks: 4.4
- Turnovers: 11.3
Houston Cougars Preview
Houston averages 77.8 points per game and is allowing only 61.6. The Cougars are shooting 45% from the field. Kingston Flemings averages 16.6 points and 5.3 assists per game to lead Houston in both, and Emanuel Sharp is the second leading scorer at 16.5 points per game. Chris Cenac Jr. averages 7.6 rebounds per game. Flemings leads the team with 1.7 steals per game, and Joseph Tugler averages 1.5 blocks. Houston averages 37.0 rebounds per game and consistently controls the defensive end.
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Injury Report: Kordel Jefferson is out.
Key Stats – Per Game
- Points: 77.8
- Points Allowed: 61.6
- Rebounds: 37.0
- Assists: 15.3
- Steals: 8.0
- Blocks: 3.9
- Turnovers: 8.2
Arizona Wildcats vs Houston Cougars Prediction
Arizona brings the more explosive offense into this matchup, averaging nearly 10 more points per game than Houston, but the Cougars counter with one of the nation’s toughest defenses and hold a home-court edge. Houston is allowing just 61.6 points per game and has held four of its last five opponents under 70 points. Slowing Arizona’s transition opportunities and forcing half-court possessions favors Houston’s physical style. In a matchup between conference co-leaders, defense and home court will carry significant weight. Final Score Prediction: Houston Cougars win and cover ATS, 76-70.
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