Houston Dominates Kansas in Big 12 Tournament Semifinal, Advances to Championship Game

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — The No. 5 Houston Cougars delivered a commanding performance, routing the No. 14 Kansas Jayhawks 69-47 in the semifinals of the Big 12 Conference men’s basketball tournament on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the T-Mobile Center. This victory sets up a championship showdown with No. 2 Arizona on Saturday night.

Cougars Control the Game from Start to Finish

Kingston Flemings led Houston with 21 points, while Chris Cenac Jr. Contributed a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds. The Cougars’ relentless defense stifled the Jayhawks, holding them to a season-low 24.6% shooting from the field NBC Sports. Kansas struggled mightily, shooting just 6-for-31 from the field in the second half.

Jayhawks Struggle on Offense

Darryn Peterson was the leading scorer for Kansas with 14 points. But, the Jayhawks’ offense faltered, and they were held without a field goal for over 10 minutes during the game NBC Sports. The team’s overall performance was a stark contrast to their earlier 69-56 victory over Houston during the regular season.

Key Moments and Turning Points

Houston seized control of the game with a dominant second-half performance, opening the half on a 22-2 run that spanned halftime. This surge effectively put the game out of reach for Kansas. The Cougars’ defensive pressure disrupted Kansas’s offensive rhythm and limited opportunities for their key players, particularly in the paint NBC Sports.

Looking Ahead: Championship Matchup

Houston will face No. 2 Arizona in the Big 12 Tournament championship game on Saturday night. The Cougars previously defeated Arizona 72-64 last year to win their first Big 12 Tournament title. Kansas is likely to receive a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament when selections are revealed on Sunday NBC Sports.

Game Details

Date: Friday, March 13, 2026

Location: T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, Missouri

Final Score: Houston 69, Kansas 47