Houston Star Blames Himself and Teammate for Big 12 Championship Loss

Kingston Flemings says he and Chris Cenac Jr. 'didn't show up' in defeat to Arizona Wildcats

Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:52am

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The Houston Cougars fell short in the Big 12 Championship game against the Arizona Wildcats, losing 79-74. Star freshman Kingston Flemings, who scored just 8 points on 3-of-12 shooting, took responsibility for the loss along with fellow starter Chris Cenac Jr., admitting the two 'didn't show up' in the big game.

Why it matters

Houston was hoping to secure a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament with a Big 12 title, but the loss likely means they'll have to settle for a No. 2 seed. Flemings and Cenac are key contributors for the Cougars, so their poor performances were a major factor in the defeat.

The details

The Cougars were led by Joseph Tugler's career-high 20 points and 10 rebounds, but outside of him the production was minimal. Flemings, who averaged 16.6 points per game this season, scored just 8 points on 3-of-12 shooting and 0-for-2 from 3-point range, though he did add 3 rebounds and 7 assists.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 15, 2026.
  • The NCAA Tournament field will be revealed on Sunday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Kingston Flemings

A star freshman for the Houston Cougars who was a key contributor this season, averaging 16.6 points per game.

Chris Cenac Jr.

A starter for the Houston Cougars who, along with Flemings, took responsibility for the team's loss in the Big 12 Championship game.

Joseph Tugler

The leading scorer for Houston in the Big 12 Championship game, recording a career-high 20 points and 10 rebounds.

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What they’re saying

“We didn't even show up, to be honest.”

— Kingston Flemings, Houston Cougars Player

“JoJo [Joseph Tugler] is consistent. Me and Chris, we just didn't show up, honestly.”

— Kingston Flemings, Houston Cougars Player

What’s next

Houston will likely enter the NCAA Tournament as a No. 2 seed, and will learn their opponent and first-round game date when the 68-team field is revealed on Sunday.

The takeaway

This loss highlights the importance of consistent play from Houston's top players, especially Flemings and Cenac, if the Cougars hope to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Their inability to show up in a big game like the Big 12 Championship could prove costly if it happens again on the biggest stage.