Arizona Faces Houston in Big 12 Championship Rematch

KANSAS CITY, MO. — In a highly anticipated rematch, the Arizona Wildcats (22-11) face the Houston Cougars (29-4) in the Big 12 Tournament championship game Saturday at T-Mobile Arena. The game, a critical step ahead of the NCAA Tournament, tipped off at 5:17 p.m. CT on ESPN.

This clash is particularly significant as Arizona aims to avenge their earlier loss to Houston, which happened exactly one month prior when they fell short by four points. The Wildcats’ journey to the finals has seen them dispatch formidable opponents, including Kansas and Texas Tech.

“We’ve been preparing for this moment since our last game against them,” Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd said. “The team is ready, and we have what it takes to win this game.”

Houston, who enters this matchup as the projected No. 1 seed for the NCAA Tournament, is favored by 5.5 points over Arizona. Their potent offense, led by standout player Emmanuel Sharp, demonstrated its strength early with a 3-pointer, setting the tempo of the game.

As the game commenced, Arizona struggled to find their rhythm, shooting just 1-of-8 at the start. In contrast, Houston leveraged their momentum, establishing an early 5-2 lead. “We just need to settle in,” said Arizona guard Caleb Love. “Once we find our groove, we will be fine.”

Arizona’s performance in the tournament has positioned them as a potential No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament, and a win today could elevate their standings significantly. “Every game counts, and this one is no different,” Lloyd added. “It’s a chance to prove ourselves.”

Fans can catch the action live on ESPN or stream via the ESPN app, Sling, and various other platforms. Arizona Sports Enterprises will also provide live audio coverage. Predictions estimate that Houston holds a statistical advantage with a 72.6% chance of victory according to ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, yet Arizona is determined to secure a win.

As the championship unfolds, both teams will look to solidify their postseason standings while providing an exciting spectacle for basketball fans.