Arizona Wildcats Claim Sole Possession of Big 12 Lead with Victory Over Houston
HOUSTON – No. 4 Arizona defeated No. 2 Houston 73-66 on Saturday, February 21, 2026, securing sole possession of first place in the Big 12 Conference. The win came despite ongoing injury concerns within the Wildcats roster.
Dell’Orso Leads Arizona to Victory
Anthony Dell’Orso led Arizona with a season-high 22 points, making 6 of 9 shots from inside the arc. This marked the second consecutive game Dell’Orso has scored 22 points.
Bradley and Kharchenkov Contribute
Jaden Bradley contributed with a layup during the first half and also played a key role in the Wildcats’ offensive strategy. Jaden Bradley is averaging 13.3 points and 4.7 assists per game this season. Ivan Kharchenkov added 16 points and nine rebounds, playing both forward positions. Houston coach Kelvin Sampson noted that Arizona’s best lineup included Kharchenkov at the power forward position.
Overcoming Challenges
Arizona faced challenges with free throw shooting, hitting only 64.5% of their attempts, and struggled from three-point range, making just 3 of 12 shots. The Wildcats also dealt with foul trouble, with both Motiejus Krivas and Tobe Awaka fouling out. Koa Peat was absent due to a lower leg injury, impacting the team’s post rotation.
Arizona’s Path Forward
With the win, Arizona improves to 25-2 overall and 12-2 in the Big 12. The Wildcats are not waiting for players to fully recover from injuries, focusing on winning despite the challenges. Arizona’s remaining schedule includes games against Baylor, Kansas, Iowa State, and Colorado. Coach Tommy Lloyd expects Koa Peat to return “sooner rather than later” and is hopeful for the quick recovery of Dwayne Aristode and Brayden Burries.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona defeated Houston 73-66 on February 21, 2026, to accept sole possession of first place in the Big 12.
- Anthony Dell’Orso led the Wildcats with 22 points.
- Jaden Bradley and Ivan Kharchenkov also made significant contributions.
- Arizona overcame shooting struggles and foul trouble to secure the victory.