Under coach Tommy Lloyd, Arizona boasts one of the nation’s top offenses (around 88 PPG), balanced with strong rebounding and efficiency. Key players include guards like B. Burries (leading scorer 15.7 PPG) and forwards like T. Awaka (dominant rebounder 9.7 RPG). Certainly, they’ve been dominant, but they’re coming off a couple of losses. Including a recent fail against BYU.
Hence, that makes Saturday’s game a critical bounce-back road test. Arizona excels in high-profile matchups but faces a brutal late-season slate (including Kansas, Iowa State).
In comparison, under head coach Kelvin Sampson, Houston is a College Basketball odds defensive juggernaut (allowing 61 PPG). Recently, UH had a hot streak (e.g., winning six straight entering prior games).
Namely, guards like Emanuel Sharp (16.6 PPG) and others provide scoring punch. The Cougars lead the Big 12 standings or are tied for the lead, with an elite home record at Fertitta Center. In turn, Houston has won the last three head-to-head matchups against Arizona and holds a slight series edge (8-6 all-time).
This one’s a must-watch—two undefeated-caliber teams (near-perfect records) in a battle for conference supremacy. Expect physical, low-scoring intensity typical of Houston games. Of course, betting interest is massive.
Arizona Wildcats at Houston Cougars NCAAB Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, February 21, 2026, 3 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Fertitta Center, Houston, TX |
| TV Coverage: | FOX |
| Betting Online Odds at SBG: | Click Here |
Arizona at Houston Betting Odds Analysis
The Cougars thrive at Fertitta Center with elite defense (top nationally) and consistency (strong SU/ATS in home Big 12 games). As slight home favorites, they appeal in low-scoring grinds. To show, Kelvin Sampson’s teams cover well against ranked foes at home.
Meanwhile, for Arizona, road challenges in the Big 12 (tough slate), and Houston owns a recent series (3 straight wins, often covering/keeping low). Arizona’s ATS value has been inconsistent.
Arizona Wildcats Team Overview
The Arizona Wildcats are 24-2 straight up, 15-11 against the spread, and 13-13 over/under the sportsbook total. Late on, Arizona has covered one out of their last five games. While the Wildcats have gone under the total in four of their previous five matchups.
Overall, Arizona ranks 15th in scoring offense, 12th in field goal percentage, 109th in 3-point field goal percentage, 158th in free throw percentage, and 2nd in offensive rebounding. In comparison, the Wildcats rank 39th in scoring defense, 8th in field goal percentage allowed, 69th in 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 14th in defensive rebounding.
Houston Cougars Team Overview
The Houston Cougars are 23-3 straight up, 14-12 against the spread, and 11-15 on the over/under. Late on, Houston has covered four out of their last seven games. While the Cougars have gone under the total in five of their previous six matchups.
Houston has NCAABB metrics of 169th for scoring offense, 171st for field goal percentage, 181st for 3-point field goal percentage, 24th for free throw percentage, and 183rd for offensive rebounding. In comparison, the Cougars rank 2nd in scoring defense, 14th in field goal percentage permitted, 56th in 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 37th in defensive rebounding.
Arizona at Houston Betting Trends
Houston covered its last two games against Arizona. Additionally, both of those games went under the total. Houston covered the spread in two of their last three home games with Arizona.
Arizona at Houston SBG Free Picks
To summarize, the Cougars dominate at home with strong home ATS/SU numbers. Additionally, they own an elite D and consistency. UH covers well as home favorites in physical games vs. ranked teams. Recent head-to-head edge (3 straight wins) and Big 12 lead make them a reliable pick.
Certainly, Houston is an appealing team in this spot. Meanwhile, Arizona pushes some overs on totals but falters in slow-paced battles. Expect a rock fight with a rebounding/turnover emphasis—under has strong value in this style clash. To conclude, this matchup screams defensive grind. Houston’s suffocating D forces games to a halt.
Arizona at Houston SBG Best Bet: Houston Cougars and Under the Total.