KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Arizona Wildcats claimed the 2026 Phillips 66 Considerable 12 Tournament Championship Saturday night, defeating the No. 5 Houston Cougars 79-74 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. The victory secures Arizona’s first Big 12 Tournament title and completes a season sweep against a formidable Houston team, setting the stage for a highly anticipated NCAA Tournament run.
Fueled by a balanced attack and a composed performance from tournament Most Outstanding Player Jaden Bradley, Arizona (32-2) built a significant lead in the second half and weathered a determined rally from Houston. The Wildcats’ success hinged on their depth and the emergence of freshman stars, solidifying their position as a top contender in college basketball.
Bradley finished with 13 points, five rebounds, and three assists, consistently directing the Wildcats’ offense in crucial moments. Still, it was the dynamic duo of freshmen Koa Peat and Brayden Burries who stole the indicate, each scoring 21 points and becoming the first pair of freshmen in Big 12 Championship game history to both reach the 20-point mark.
Arizona controlled the first half, shooting 50% from the field and closing with a 12-3 run, largely thanks to Burries’ scoring surge, to take a 44-36 lead into halftime. They extended their advantage to 15 points early in the second half, appearing poised to break the game open.
Houston, however, refused to go quietly. Led by Joseph Tugler, who finished with a game-high 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Mercy Miller, who contributed 13 points, the Cougars mounted a fierce comeback. A 14-2 run cut Arizona’s lead to just two points, 62-60, with under seven minutes remaining.
But Arizona responded with poise. Burries hit a floater and converted a pair of free throws, while Ivan Kharchenkov attacked the rim and Peat secured crucial second-chance points. Motiejus Krivas then sealed the victory at the free-throw line with 22 seconds left, extending the lead to five.
Despite a late three-pointer from Houston that narrowed the gap to three, Arizona’s defense held firm, forcing a missed shot on the ensuing possession. Burries calmly sank two free throws with eight seconds remaining, securing the 79-74 victory. Arizona finished the game shooting 46% from the field and an impressive 23-for-27 from the free-throw line, demonstrating their composure under pressure.
Beyond the scoring, Arizona’s balanced attack proved decisive. Kharchenkov added 12 points and seven rebounds, while Krivas contributed six points and six rebounds. Tobe Awaka provided valuable minutes off the bench, grabbing five boards.
The Wildcats’ championship victory comes after a dominant season, boasting a 32-2 record. They are widely expected to earn a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, with the selection show scheduled for 3:00 p.m. MST on CBS, according to Arizona Sports.
Looking ahead, Arizona will aim to translate this Big 12 Tournament success into a deep run in March Madness. The team’s blend of veteran leadership and emerging freshman talent positions them as a serious national championship contender. The NCAA Tournament bracket reveal will provide further clarity on their path, but one thing is certain: the Wildcats are entering the tournament with momentum and confidence.
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