Houston and BYU Clash in Big 12 Semifinal Showdown

Kansas City, MO — The 2025 Big 12 Championship semifinals are set to take place on March 14, where the top-seeded Houston Cougars (28-4, 19-1 Big 12) face off against the BYU Cougars (24-8, 14-6 Big 12) at the T-Mobile Center. The stakes are high for both teams, as they aim for a game-changing victory that could influence their NCAA tournament seeding.

Houston, led by coach Kelvin Sampson, has dominated the Big 12 this season and is favored by 7.5 points in this matchup. The Cougars secured their top seed by finishing with a conference record that outpaced all others. Sampson’s strategy has focused on defense, allowing them to stand out in a competitive environment.

“We’ve worked hard all season to get to this point,” Sampson said. “Now we need to focus on executing our game plan against a formidable BYU team.”

Meanwhile, BYU, who secured the fourth seed in the tournament, enters the game with momentum, having turned its season around with strong performances down the stretch. The Cougars, also on a mission, are eager to make a deep run not only in the Big 12 tournament but also in March Madness.

“This tournament is our chance to show what we can do on a big stage,” said BYU’s head coach. “We’ve prepared for this moment, and we’re ready to compete.”

In their previous matchups this season, both teams have shown they can rise to the occasion, with Houston’s scoring ability complemented by BYU’s dynamic plays. Houston’s average points per game stands at 81.9, while BYU is not trailing far behind at 74.3. With an emphasis on defense—Houston currently boasts a field goal percentage against of 48.7%—the stage is set for a gripping semifinal showdown.

The game will also carry significance for other teams watching who are vying for NCAA Tournament berths. Notably, Cincinnati, entering the tournament as the No. 13 seed, finds itself in a do-or-die situation, needing substantial wins to secure an at-large bid. Analysts predict that the tournament could lead to eight Big 12 teams making the NCAA tournament, significantly affecting rankings and seeding nationwide.

Fans can catch the action on ESPN2 and ESPN+ at 7:00 PM CST, where the atmosphere promises to be electric. The winner of this match will advance to face the victor of the other semifinal, marking a crucial step toward claiming the Big 12 Championship title.

The tournament continues to build excitement, with the championship game set for March 15. As teams look ahead to potential NCAA tournament opportunities, each game adds an unprecedented level of importance in their basketball careers.