Arizona Wildcats Defeat BYU Cougars 75-68 in Close Contest
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · McKale Center at ALKEME Arena
Arizona Wildcats 75, BYU Cougars 68, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won BYU Cougars vs Arizona Wildcats?
Arizona Wildcats beat BYU Cougars 75-68 at McKale Center at ALKEME Arena on February 18, 2026.
Who was favored in BYU Cougars vs Arizona Wildcats?
Arizona Wildcats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -750 (about 88% implied). The favorite won.
The Arizona Wildcats secured a hard-fought victory against the BYU Cougars, finishing the game with a score of 75-68. This matchup was notable as it featured two teams with strong offensive capabilities, with Arizona entering the game boasting a home record of 24-2 and BYU holding a respectable away record of 19-7. The game took place at the McKale Center at ALKEME Arena, a venue where the Wildcats have traditionally performed well.
In terms of recent form, Arizona had been experiencing a challenging stretch, losing their last two games prior to this matchup. Their last ten games yielded a record of 8-2, with an average of 83.4 points scored and 70.0 points allowed per game. However, they had struggled at home recently, going 4-1 in their last five home games. BYU, on the other hand, had turned things around with a two-game winning streak, bringing their recent record to 5-5 over the last ten games. They averaged 83.9 points scored but allowed a higher average of 84.8 points during that span.
The Wildcats had previously faced the Cougars on January 27, 2026, where Arizona emerged victorious with a close score of 86-83. This game added to the competitive history between the two teams, with Arizona leading the head-to-head record 2-1 over the last three meetings, including a narrow loss at home last season.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant player absences for either team, suggesting both squads were at full strength for this crucial matchup. The betting market reflected Arizona's strong position, with DraftKings setting the odds at Arizona -11.5, indicating a strong expectation of a Wildcats win. The total points line was set at 165.5, reflecting the anticipated high-scoring nature of the game.
The conditions for the game were conducive to a competitive atmosphere, with both teams looking to solidify their standings as the season progressed. Viewers were treated to a display of skill and intensity, particularly in the second half, where key scoring plays defined the outcome. Notable moments included free throws from Jaden Bradley that extended Arizona's lead and a crucial dunk from Anthony Dell'Orso that helped seal the victory.
Overall, this game showcased the resilience of the Arizona Wildcats as they bounced back from recent losses, while BYU demonstrated their offensive prowess despite the defeat.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ARIZ -11.5 | 165.5 o -108 / u -112 | BYU Cougars +525 · Arizona Wildcats -750 |
Leaders
- PointsAnthony Dell'Orso22Arizona Wildcats
- AssistsJaden Bradley10Arizona Wildcats
- ReboundsIvan Kharchenkov7Arizona Wildcats
- PointsAJ Dybantsa35BYU Cougars
- AssistsRobert Wright III3BYU Cougars
- ReboundsKeba Keita9BYU Cougars
Recent form
Arizona Wildcats
Last 10: 8-2Streak L283.4 scored · 70 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L75-78vs Texas Tech Red RaidersFeb 14
- L78-82at Kansas JayhawksFeb 10
- W84-47vs Oklahoma State CowboysFeb 7
- W87-74at Arizona State Sun DevilsJan 31
- W86-83at BYU CougarsJan 27
- W88-53vs West Virginia MountaineersJan 24
- W77-51vs Cincinnati BearcatsJan 22
- W84-77at UCF KnightsJan 17
- W89-82vs Arizona State Sun DevilsJan 15
- W86-73at TCU Horned FrogsJan 10
BYU Cougars
Last 10: 5-5Streak W283.9 scored · 84.8 allowed per game2-3 away
- W90-86vs Colorado BuffaloesFeb 14
- W99-94at Baylor BearsFeb 11
- L66-77vs Houston CougarsFeb 8
- L92-99at Oklahoma State CowboysFeb 5
- L82-90at Kansas JayhawksJan 31
- L83-86vs Arizona WildcatsJan 27
- W91-78vs Utah UtesJan 24
- L71-84at Texas Tech Red RaidersJan 18
- W76-70vs TCU Horned FrogsJan 15
- W89-84at Utah UtesJan 11
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 36-3 | - | 16-2 |
| Houston | 30-7 | 2 | 14-4 |
| Iowa State | 29-8 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Kansas | 24-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Texas Tech | 23-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| TCU | 23-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| BYU | 23-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| UCF | 21-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| West Virginia | 21-14 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Cincinnati | 18-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Colorado | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Arizona State | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma State | 20-15 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Baylor | 17-17 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Kansas State | 12-20 | 13 | 3-15 |
| Utah | 10-22 | 14 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | BYU Cougars | Arizona Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-58 | 29-64 |
| Field goal % | 43 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 5-19 | 9-21 |
| Three-point % | 26 | 43 |
| Free throws | 13-16 | 8-12 |
| Free throw % | 81 | 67 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 39 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 27 |
| Assists | 7 | 16 |
| Steals | 4 | 8 |
| Blocks | 5 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 26 |
| Fouls | 14 | 12 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 16 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 12 | 76 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half33-34AJ Dybantsa makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half33-37Anthony Dell'Orso makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jaden Bradley assists)
- 1st Half33-39Jaden Bradley makes layup
- 1st Half34-39AJ Dybantsa makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half35-39AJ Dybantsa makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half35-42Anthony Dell'Orso makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jaden Bradley assists)
- 2nd Half35-44Ivan Kharchenkov makes 1-foot dunk (Jaden Bradley assists)
- 2nd Half37-44Robert Wright III makes 2-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half37-46Jaden Bradley makes layup (Ivan Kharchenkov assists)
- 2nd Half39-46AJ Dybantsa makes 5-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half40-46Kennard Davis Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-46Kennard Davis Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-49Ivan Kharchenkov makes 24-foot three point jumper (Sidi Gueye assists)
- 2nd Half43-49AJ Dybantsa makes driving layup
- 2nd Half43-51Sidi Gueye makes 2-foot dunk (Jaden Bradley assists)
- 2nd Half43-53Sidi Gueye makes 3-foot jumper
- 2nd Half43-55Anthony Dell'Orso makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half44-55AJ Dybantsa makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-57Tobe Awaka makes layup
- 2nd Half46-57AJ Dybantsa makes layup
- 2nd Half46-59Ivan Kharchenkov makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half48-59AJ Dybantsa makes layup
- 2nd Half48-61Ivan Kharchenkov makes 12-foot jumper
- 2nd Half48-63Jaden Bradley makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half50-63AJ Dybantsa makes layup
- 2nd Half50-66Anthony Dell'Orso makes 25-foot three point jumper (Motiejus Krivas assists)
- 2nd Half53-66AJ Dybantsa makes 24-foot three point jumper (Robert Wright III assists)
- 2nd Half53-69Brayden Burries makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ivan Kharchenkov assists)
- 2nd Half55-69AJ Dybantsa makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half58-69Kennard Davis Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Robert Wright III assists)
- 2nd Half59-69Kennard Davis Jr. makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half60-69Kennard Davis Jr. makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half61-69Kennard Davis Jr. makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half61-70Jaden Bradley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-71Jaden Bradley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-73Ivan Kharchenkov makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half63-73Keba Keita makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half66-73AJ Dybantsa makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kennard Davis Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half68-73Kennard Davis Jr. makes layup (Robert Wright III assists)
- 2nd Half68-75Anthony Dell'Orso makes 3-foot dunk (Jaden Bradley assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Arizona Wildcats, below favours BYU Cougars.
Venue
- McKale Center at ALKEME ArenaTucson, AZ
- Attendance14688
- OfficialsKipp Kissinger, Roger Ayers, Doug Sirmons
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
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- BYU Cougars Defeat Arizona Wildcats 28-17Sep 12, 2026
- Arizona Wildcats Edge BYU Cougars in Close ContestJan 26, 2026
- BYU Holds Off Arizona in Double Overtime ThrillerOct 11, 2025