| MATCHUP | Houston Cougars | Arizona Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 28-5 | 31-2 |
| Spread | +2.5 -108 | -2.5 -112 |
| Moneyline | +130 | -155 |
| Total | Over 137.5 (-115) | Under 137.5 (-105) |
| Where | T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, MO | |
| When | Saturday, March 14, 2026 | |
| Time | 06:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPN | |
Houston Cougars Betting Preview
The Houston Cougars are 28-5 (14-4) this year after they defeated Kansas by a score of 69-47 in their last game. Houston led 33-25 at halftime and they held Kansas to just 22 points in the second half in the lopsided win. The Cougars shot 42% from the field, 56% on three pointers, and 79% on free throws in the game. Kingston Flemings led Houston with 21 points and four rebounds, while Chris Cenac Jr added 17 points and 14 rebounds in the win.Prior to that game, Houston defeated BYU by a score of 73-66 and Oklahoma State by a score of 82-75. The Cougars have scored 77.5 points per game with 36.5 rebounds and 14.8 assists per game, while they have allowed 62.8 points against per game this season. Kingston Flemings is averaging 16.5 points and 5.3 assists per game, while Emanuel Sharp is averaging 15.7 points and 3.0 rebounds per game for the Cougars. Houston is shooting 45.1% from the field, 77.3% on free throws, and 34.4% on three pointers this year.
Arizona Wildcats Betting Preview
The Arizona Wildcats are 31-2 (16-2) this season after they defeated Iowa State by a score of 82-80 in their last game. Arizona trailed 43-37 at halftime, but they scored 45 points in the second half and won on a last second shot. The Wildcats shot 55% from the field, 50% on three pointers, and 63% on free throws in the game. Anthony Dell’Orso led Arizona with 26 points and five rebounds, while Ivan Kharchenkov added 17 points and five assists in the win.Prior to that game, Arizona defeated UCF by a score of 81-59 and Colorado by a score of 89-79. The Wildcats have scored 86.5 points per game with 43.1 rebounds and 17.1 assists per game, while they have allowed 68.3 points against per game this season. Brayden Burries is averaging 16.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, while Jaden Bradley is averaging 13.3 points and 4.5 assists per game for the Wildcats. Arizona is shooting 50.2% from the field, 73.2% on free throws, and 35.4% on three pointers this year.
Why the Arizona Wildcats will win
- Arizona has won each of its last eight games against Conference opponents.
- Houston has lost four of its last five games as a top-15 AP-ranked team against a top-15 AP-ranked team.
- Houston has lost the first half in four of its last five games as a top-15 AP-ranked team against a top-15 AP-ranked team.
Why the Houston Cougars will win
- Houston has won each of its last 14 March games as a top-15 AP-ranked team.
- Arizona has lost three of its last four games against Top 5 AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
- Arizona has lost the first half in six of its last seven games as a top-3 AP-ranked team against an AP-ranked team at neutral venues.
Total Points Facts
- Nine of Arizona’s last 10 games have produced a total of 139+ points.
- Each of Houston’s last four games against Top 5 AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue have produced a total of 137 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Arizona ranks 6th among Division 1 teams for point differential per game this season (+18.1).
- Arizona ranks 6th among Division 1 teams for defensive rating this season (96.4).
- Houston ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for turnover percentage this season (10.7%).
- Houston is one of only two teams to reach the Sweet 16 in each of its last five NCAA Tournament appearances.