In a thrilling Top-5 showdown at the Fertitta Center, the University of Houston Men's Basketball team fell short against Arizona, with the Wildcats clinching a 73-66 victory. This marks a significant win for Arizona, now sitting comfortably atop the Big 12 Conference standings with a 25-2 overall record and a 12-2 mark in conference play.
Anthony Dell'Orso was the star of the night for Arizona, matching his season-high with 22 points. The Wildcats, who started the season with an impressive 23-0 run, have bounced back strongly after recent setbacks against Kansas and Texas Tech.
The game took a decisive turn when Arizona, trailing by two, unleashed a 12-point run to seize a 60-50 lead with about five minutes left. During this stretch, Houston struggled offensively, missing eight consecutive shots and committing three turnovers.
Houston, now 23-4 overall and 11-3 in conference play, faced a scoring drought that lasted nearly ten minutes. Senior guard Emanuel Sharp and forward Kalifa Sakho briefly closed the gap with crucial free throws, but Arizona's Jaden Bradley responded with key buckets to extend their lead.
Freshman Kingston Flemings provided a spark for the Cougars with a late 3-pointer, finishing with 17 points, while Sharp contributed 14. Chris Cenac was a force on the boards, notching his fifth double-double of the season with 10 points and 13 rebounds. However, Houston's 12 turnovers proved costly, leading to 16 points for the Wildcats.
Arizona had control early, leading by as many as 10 points in the first half. Houston rallied with an 8-2 run to grab a brief lead in the second half, but Arizona's resilience ultimately sealed the win.
Looking ahead, Houston will host another intense matchup against top-ranked Arizona on February 21 at the Fertitta Center. Following that, they face a challenging road game against Kansas on February 23. Both games promise to be must-watch events, airing on ESPN.
Houston fans can support the team by purchasing tickets for upcoming games and joining initiatives like the 50-50 Club, which provides valuable resources to the program. Stay connected with the team for updates and exclusive content through their social media channels.