No. 6 Houston Faces No. 13 Arizona in Crucial Big 12 Showdown

TUCSON, Ariz. — The stage is set for a high-stakes college basketball clash as the No. 6 Houston Cougars square off against the No. 13 Arizona Wildcats on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at McKale Memorial Center. This Big 12 matchup is not only a rematch of their 2022 Sweet 16 encounter but also a pivotal moment in the 2024-25 season, with both teams seeking a strong position heading into the postseason.

Houston enters the game with a record of 20-4 (12-1 in the Big 12), having narrowly escaped a slide with a recent three-game winning streak after suffering its only conference loss to Texas Tech on February 1. Arizona, with a record of 17-7 (11-2), aims to bounce back after falling to Kansas State earlier this week, ending a six-game winning streak.

“This is a crucial point in our season,” Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd said. “We need to come out with intensity and focus if we want to take control in the conference.”

The matchup will see Houston’s formidable scoring defense, which leads the nation allowing just 57.3 points per game, face off against an Arizona squad that excels at rebounding with an average of 40.9 boards per game, ranking among the best nationally. Despite Houston’s defensive prowess, they have been known to struggle with fouls, averaging 16.7 fouls per game.

Saturday’s contest marks the only regular-season meeting between the two teams this year. With this in mind, the implications are gigantic—the winner could position themselves for a top seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, while the loser might find themselves battling for second in the conference.

“Every game from now until the end of the season is important,” Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson said. “We want to stay at the top and keep that edge.”

The Cougars boast a roster that includes standout players like J’Wan Roberts and JoJo Tugler. Tugler has faced challenges with fouling, having fouled out three times in conference play, which could be a factor in the physicality expected during the game. Arizona’s lineup will likely feature Tobe Awaka and Trey Townsend, with Townsend expected to return from concussion protocol.

As both teams clash, fans can expect a physical battle under the boards. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN, with tip-off scheduled for 2 p.m. ET. Betting odds currently favor Houston by 1.5 points, with an over/under set at 137.5 points.

Arizona fans hope to extend their notable home winning streak, while Houston aims to solidify its lead in the conference. SportsLine’s prediction gives Houston a 58.3% chance of winning, but as both teams have proven, anything can happen in college basketball.

In addition to watching on ESPN, fans can stream the game using the ESPN app or other platforms like Sling and Hulu. For those wishing to listen, radio coverage will be available on Arizona Sports Enterprises and Houston’s local broadcasts.

“Every possession counts in games like this,” Lloyd stressed in his pregame remarks. “It’s about execution and heart.”