Arizona Beats Houston to Claim First Big 12 Tournament Championship

Wildcats secure NCAA Tournament bid with 79-74 victory over Cougars

Mar. 15, 2026 at 6:35am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Top-seeded Arizona defeated second-seeded Houston 79-74 in the Big 12 conference tournament championship game in Kansas City. Koa Peat and Brayden Burries each scored 21 points for the Wildcats, who won their first Big 12 title in their second year in the league. Joseph 'JoJo' Tugler had a career-high 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Cougars, who are still expected to earn a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament despite the loss.

Why it matters

This victory secures an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament for Arizona, which is in contention for a No. 1 overall seed after winning its ninth straight game. For Houston, the loss snaps a five-game winning streak, but the Cougars are still projected to be a high seed in the Big Dance.

The details

Arizona led for all but 59 seconds and shot 46.3% from the field, including 6-of-13 from 3-point range. Houston made 43.8% of its shots and was 8-of-21 from beyond the arc. The Wildcats led by as many as 15 in the second half before Houston rallied to cut the deficit to two, but Arizona held on for the victory.

  • The championship game was played on Saturday, March 15, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri.

The players

Koa Peat

A key player for Arizona who scored 21 points before fouling out.

Brayden Burries

Also scored 21 points for the Wildcats in the championship game.

Joseph 'JoJo' Tugler

The leading scorer for Houston with a career-high 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Mercy Miller

Scored 13 points and grabbed 7 rebounds for the Cougars.

Chase McCarty

Contributed 10 points for Houston in the losing effort.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm just doing whatever the team needs me to do. We worked for this and we deserve this.”

— Koa Peat (ESPN)

What’s next

The Wildcats will await their NCAA Tournament seeding, which will be revealed on Selection Sunday. The Cougars are also expected to earn a high seed in the Big Dance despite the loss.

The takeaway

Arizona's victory in the Big 12 tournament championship game secures the Wildcats' spot in the NCAA Tournament, where they will look to make a deep run as a potential No. 1 overall seed. For Houston, the loss ends their five-game winning streak, but the Cougars have still proven themselves as one of the top teams in the country this season.