Houston Advances to Huge 12 Championship, Eyes Rematch with Arizona
KANSAS CITY, Missouri — The No. 5 Houston Cougars are heading to the Big 12 Championship game after a dominant 69-47 victory over the No. 14 Kansas Jayhawks in the tournament semifinals on Friday, March 13, 2026. This sets up a highly anticipated rematch with No. 2 Arizona, whom Houston defeated 72-64 last year to claim their first Big 12 Tournament title.
Freshman Power Fuels Houston’s Victory
Houston’s impressive win was largely fueled by the outstanding performances of freshmen Kingston Flemings and Chris Cenac Jr. Flemings led all scorers with 21 points, while Cenac Jr. Contributed a strong double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds. The Cougars’ stifling defense as well played a crucial role, holding Kansas to a season-low 47 points.
Kansas Struggles on Offense
The Jayhawks, despite a quarterfinal win against TCU, struggled offensively against Houston. Kansas shot just 24.6% from the field including a dismal 6-for-31 in the second half. Darryn Peterson led Kansas with 14 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Houston’s dominance.
Game Details and Broadcast Information
The semifinal matchup took place at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, with a tip-off time of 8:30 p.m. CT. The game was broadcast on ESPN, with streaming options available through ESPN+. Kansas entered the game with a 23-9 record, while Houston improved to 28-5.
Looking Ahead: Houston vs. Arizona
Houston and Arizona will face off in the Big 12 Championship game on Saturday. The Cougars lost their only regular-season meeting against the Wildcats, adding extra motivation for a championship victory.
Recent Team Performance
Prior to the tournament, Kansas had a mixed record in their last three games, losing to Iowa State 70-60 on March 3, winning against Kansas State 104-85 on March 7, and defeating TCU 78-73 on March 12. Houston also had a strong finish to their regular season, with wins over Baylor 77-64 on March 4, Oklahoma State 82-75 on March 7, and BYU 73-66 on March 12.
FAQ
Q: When is the Big 12 Championship game?
A: The championship game is on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Q: Where is the Big 12 Tournament being held?
A: The tournament is being held at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
Q: What channel will the championship game be on?
A: The championship game will be broadcast on ESPN.
Q: Who did Houston defeat to reach the championship game?
A: Houston defeated Kansas 69-47 in the semifinals.
Q: What was Kansas’ record entering the tournament?
A: Kansas entered the tournament with a record of 23-9.
Did you know? Houston is seeking back-to-back Big 12 Tournament titles.
Pro Tip: Retain an eye on the performance of Houston’s freshmen, Flemings and Cenac Jr., as they are key contributors to the team’s success.
Stay tuned for further updates and analysis as Houston and Arizona battle for the Big 12 Championship!
