Arizona men’s basketball (24-2, 11-2 in Big 12) looks to extend their win streak as they hit the road on Saturday afternoon to take on the University of Houston Cougars (23-3, 11-2 in Big 12) at the Fertitta Center in Houston. 

This game is important for both teams as they look to go into undisputed first place in the Big 12 conference. 

The two teams played two times last season before Houston defeated Arizona in the Big 12 Championship game. 

The Wildcats are led by freshman guard Brayden Burries. Burries averages 15.5 points a game, 2.6 assists and 4.6 rebounds. Burries’ shot-making ability will need to be on point in order for the Wildcats to sustain momentum and walk out of Houston with the win.

Second for the Wildcats is senior lead guard Jaden Bradley. Bradley averages 13.3 points per game, with 4.7 assists and 3.5 rebounds. Bradley is a great facilitator and loves getting downhill in transition. Bradley is gonna have to keep his head on a swivel if he wants to lead the Wildcats to a road win on Saturday.

For Houston, freshman guard Kingston Flemings is the star of the show. Flemings leads the team in scoring with 16.6 points per game, 5.3 assists and 3.7 rebounds. Flemings will need to use his 3-point shooting to bring competition for the Wildcats.

Houston also has senior guard Emanuel Sharp, who averages 16.5 points per game with two assists and three rebounds. Sharp will look to slow the game down as he leads the team in free-throw percentage at 87.5%.

Keys to the game

Arizona will control the boards, especially if they want to control the crowd in Houston. They will also have to find ways to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line, as they average six more attempts than their opponents.

For Houston, it will be about making the right passes for the best shot as they average more assists per game than their opponent. They will also look to force turnovers as the Cougars average three more steals per game than their opponent.

With first place in the Big 12 on the line and last year’s championship loss still fresh in Arizona’s mind, will the Wildcats rise to the challenge on the road at the Fertitta Center, or will Houston once again defend home court and take control of the conference?

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