No. 4 Arizona beats No. 2 Houston, stands alone atop Big 12 - ESPN
ESPN
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
No. 4 Arizona secured a thrilling 73-66 victory over No. 2 Houston on Saturday, earning its 25th win of the season and claiming sole first place in the Big 12 Conference. Senior guard Anthony Dell'Orso led the Wildcats with a season-high 22 points, while Houston struggled offensively, missing eight consecutive shots and committing turnovers during a critical stretch that allowed Arizona to pull away. The Wildcats’ strong defensive performance, highlighted by forcing 12 turnovers leading to 16 points, proved pivotal in their success.
The game saw a dramatic turnaround after Houston had taken an early lead. Trailing by two with five minutes remaining, Arizona went on a decisive 12-0 run, turning the tide in its favor. Jaden Bradley’s crucial four-point burst near the end sealed the win, showcasing the team's resilience and ability to maintain composure under pressure. Houston, who had previously been on a six-game winning streak, saw their struggles continue with missed shots and poor ball control, ultimately falling short despite efforts from Kingston Flemings (17 points) and Emanuel Sharp (14 points).
Head coach Tommy Lloyd praised the team’s mental toughness, noting that facing strong opponents like Houston’s coach Kelvin Sampson has elevated Arizona’s performance. The Wildcats’ ability to bounce back from recent losses to Kansas and Texas Tech demonstrated their growth as a contender in the Big 12. This victory not only solidifies Arizona’s position at the top of the conference but also positions them as serious contenders for a NCAA Tournament bid, especially with their impressive start to the season.
The game was a showcase of contrasting fortunes, with Arizona’s disciplined defense and clutch performances turning what could have been a slip-up into a statement win. For Houston, the loss marked their first consecutive defeats of the season, raising questions about their ability to handle pressure in high-stakes matchups. As both teams continue their conference journeys, this game will likely be remembered as a turning point in their respective seasons.
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Originally published on ESPN on 2/21/2026