Houston vs Arizona Prediction 2/21/26 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article we will formulate a Houston vs Arizona prediction for this College Basketball game on Saturday, February 21st at the Fertitta Center in Houston, Texas. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Houston Cougars Betting Preview

The Houston Cougars are 23-3 (11-2) this year after they lost to Iowa State by a score of 70-67 in their last game. Houston trailed 43-40 at halftime, but they did lead late in the game, before falling apart in the final minutes for the loss. The Cougars shot 42% from the field, 35% on three pointers, and 64% on free throws in the game. Kingston Flemings led Houston with 22 points and five rebounds, while Emanuel Sharp added 16 points and two assists in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Houston defeated Kansas State by a score of 78-64 and Utah by a score of 66-52. The Cougars have scored 77.8 points per game with 37.0 rebounds and 15.3 assists per game, while they have allowed 61.6 points against per game this season. Kingston Flemings is averaging 16.6 points and 5.3 assists per game, while Emanuel Sharp is averaging 16.5 points and 3.0 rebounds per game for the Cougars. Houston is shooting 45.2% from the field, 76.9% on free throws, and 34.1% on three pointers this year. 

Arizona Wildcats Betting Preview

The Arizona Wildcats are 24-2 (11-2) this season after they defeated BYU by a score of 75-68 in their last game. Arizona led 42-35 at halftime, but they only scored 33 points in the second half in the win. The Wildcats shot 45% from the field, 43% on three pointers, and 67% on free throws in the game. Anthony Dell’Orso led Arizona with 22 points and four rebounds, while Ivan Kharchenkov added 18 points and seven rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Arizona lost to Texas Tech by a score of 78-75 and Kansas by a score of 82-78. The Wildcats have scored 87.7 points per game with 43.7 rebounds and 17.7 assists per game, while they have allowed 68.6 points against per game this season. Brayden Burries is averaging 15.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, while Koa Peat is averaging 13.8 points and 5.4 rebounds per game for the Wildcats. Arizona is shooting 50.6% from the field, 73.0% on free throws, and 35.6% on three pointers this season. 

Why the Houston Cougars will win

• Houston has won each of its last 28 games as a top-5 AP-ranked team at Fertitta Center.
• Arizona has lost each of its last four day games as a top-5 AP-ranked team against a top-15 AP-ranked team.
• Houston has won the first half in each of its last 27 games as a top-5 AP-ranked team at Fertitta Center.

Why the Arizona Wildcats will win

• Arizona has won 24 of its last 26 games.
• Houston has lost three of its last four games as a top-3 AP-ranked team against an AP-ranked team.
• Arizona has won the first half in each of its last 11 February road games as a top-10 AP-ranked team.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Arizona’s last six games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 143+ points.
• Each of Houston’s last six games against Top 10 AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 137 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Houston ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (4.6).
• Houston ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for turnovers per game this season (8.2).
• Arizona ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for rebounds per game this season (43.7).
• Arizona ranks 4th among Division 1 teams for rebound percentage this season (58.2%).

Houston vs Arizona Prediction 

Houston comes into this matchup after their winning streak was snapped last time out, but they will be at home here. The Cougars are shooting 45% from the field, but they are allowing just 61.6 points against per game. Arizona bounced back with a win over BYU in their last game, but their offense has cooled off recently. The Wildcats are shooting 51% from the field and they have allowed 78+ points in two of their last three games. This should be a great matchup to watch, but I am siding with Arizona, as I feel like Houston relies too heavily on Flemings and Sharp.