Preview of Arizona vs. Houston HOUSTON (Interstat) — A top-five showdown with major conference and postseason implications is set for Saturday when the Arizona Wildcats visit the Houston Cougars in a Big 12 men’s basketball clash at Hofheinz Pavilion. The matchup features two of the nation’s elite teams, with Arizona (24-2, 11-2 Big 12) and Houston (23-3, 10-3) separated by just one game in the loss column in the conference standings. Both are coming off narrow road losses in recent weeks but have otherwise dominated a powerful league. Arizona, which defeated BYU 75-68 on Wednesday, boasts one of the country’s most efficient offenses. Guard Ivan Kharchenkov, coming off an 18-point performance against the Cougars, is a key catalyst. The Wildcats’ two losses this season came by a combined seven points, in overtime against Texas Tech and at Kansas. Houston, which fell 70-67 at Iowa State on Monday, is anchored by its typically relentless defense and the dynamic play of guard Kingston Flemings. Flemings is capable of explosive scoring, evidenced by a 42-point outing at Texas Tech last month, and is coming off a 22-point effort in the loss to the Cyclones. The game pits Arizona’s high-scoring attack against Houston’s stifling defensive system, which ranks among the national leaders in several categories. The Cougars have not lost at home this season. This marks the first meeting between the programs as Big 12 foes and is a likely preview of a high seed in the NCAA Tournament next month. The winner will gain a crucial resume victory and firm control in the conference title race. Following this game, Houston travels to face Kansas on Monday, while Arizona visits Baylor on Tuesday.