NCAAB · Final

Houston Holds Off BYU in Close Contest

Thursday, March 12, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · T-Mobile Center

Houston Cougars 73, BYU Cougars 66, 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 Houston Cougars?

Houston Cougars beat BYU Cougars 73-66 at T-Mobile Center on March 12, 2026.

Who was favored in BYU Cougars vs Houston Cougars?

Houston Cougars were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -485 (about 83% implied). The favorite won.

In a tightly contested matchup, the Houston Cougars edged out the BYU Cougars with a final score of 73-66 at the T-Mobile Center. This victory marks Houston's fourth consecutive win, enhancing their impressive home record to 28-5. The game was notable not only for its competitive nature but also for the ongoing rivalry between these two teams, with Houston having won all three meetings this season, including a previous encounter on February 8, where they triumphed 77-66.

Both teams entered the game with strong recent form. Houston came into the contest with a record of 7-3 over their last ten games, averaging 75.0 points scored and allowing 65.0 points per game. They had been particularly effective at home, boasting a 4-1 record in their last five games. BYU, on the other hand, had a record of 6-4 in their last ten outings, averaging 81.4 points scored but allowing a higher average of 80.5 points. Their performance included a three-game winning streak leading into this matchup, demonstrating their offensive capabilities despite a less consistent defensive record.

In terms of home versus away performance, Houston maintained a strong home advantage, while BYU's away record was less impressive, standing at 2-3 in their last five away games. This dynamic added an extra layer of challenge for BYU as they faced a formidable Houston team on their home court.

The injury picture was not detailed in the provided facts, but both teams appeared to be at full strength, which is often a significant factor in the outcome of such closely matched games. The betting market reflected Houston's status as favorites, with DraftKings listing the Cougars at -9.5 on the spread and a money line of -485. BYU was positioned as the underdog with a money line of +370, indicating the expectations surrounding the matchup.

Conditions during the game were typical for a high-stakes basketball environment, with both teams showcasing their skills under the pressure of a competitive atmosphere. The scoring plays highlighted key moments, particularly in the second half, where Emanuel Sharp made crucial free throws that extended Houston's lead, and Keba Keita contributed with a vital tip-in layup.

As the game progressed, BYU attempted to mount a comeback, with AJ Dybantsa hitting a significant three-pointer that brought the score to 71-66. However, Houston's ability to convert free throws in the closing moments ultimately sealed their victory.

Viewers were treated to a display of resilience and skill from both teams, with Houston demonstrating their capability to maintain composure in critical situations. The matchup not only showcased the strengths of each team but also underscored the competitive spirit of college basketball, making it a noteworthy fixture in the NCAAB landscape.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	HOU -9.5	146.5 o -115 / u -105	BYU Cougars +370 · Houston Cougars -485

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsKingston Flemings17Houston Cougars
AssistsJoseph Tugler4Houston Cougars
ReboundsJoseph Tugler8Houston Cougars
PointsAJ Dybantsa26BYU Cougars
AssistsRobert Wright III5BYU Cougars
ReboundsKeba Keita13BYU Cougars

Recent form

Houston Cougars

Last 10: 7-3Streak W375 scored · 65 allowed per game4-1 at home

W82-75at Oklahoma State CowboysMar 7
W77-64vs Baylor BearsMar 5
W102-62vs Colorado BuffaloesFeb 28
L56-69at Kansas JayhawksFeb 24
L66-73vs Arizona WildcatsFeb 21
L67-70at Iowa State CyclonesFeb 17
W78-64vs Kansas State WildcatsFeb 14
W66-52at Utah UtesFeb 11
W77-66at BYU CougarsFeb 8
W79-55vs UCF KnightsFeb 5

BYU Cougars

Last 10: 6-4Streak W381.4 scored · 80.5 allowed per game2-3 away

W68-48at West Virginia MountaineersMar 11
W105-91vs Kansas State WildcatsMar 10
W82-76vs Texas Tech Red RaidersMar 8
L68-90at Cincinnati BearcatsMar 4
L71-79at West Virginia MountaineersFeb 28
L84-97vs UCF KnightsFeb 25
W79-69vs Iowa State CyclonesFeb 22
L68-75at Arizona WildcatsFeb 19
W90-86vs Colorado BuffaloesFeb 14
W99-94at Baylor BearsFeb 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	Houston Cougars
Field goals	21-51	26-58
Field goal %	41	45
Three-pointers	8-17	5-17
Three-point %	47	29
Free throws	16-19	16-20
Free throw %	84	80
Rebounds	30	37
Offensive rebounds	9	14
Defensive rebounds	21	23
Assists	8	11
Steals	6	12
Blocks	4	5
Turnovers	18	16
Team turnovers	1	2
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	19	19
Fast-break points	10	6
Points in the paint	24	30
Fouls	20	17
Largest lead	7	10
Lead changes	8	8
Time in front	20	74

How the scoring went

1st Half33-32Kennard Davis Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
1st Half33-34Kingston Flemings makes 2-foot dunk
1st Half36-34Aleksej Kostic makes 24-foot three point jumper (Robert Wright III assists)
1st Half39-34Aleksej Kostic makes 28-foot three point jumper (Robert Wright III assists)
1st Half41-34Dominique Diomande makes 2-foot dunk
1st Half41-36Kalifa Sakho makes layup
1st Half41-37Kalifa Sakho makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half41-40Milos Uzan makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kingston Flemings assists)
2nd Half42-40Kennard Davis Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half44-40Keba Keita makes layup
2nd Half44-42Kingston Flemings makes 16-foot jumper
2nd Half46-42Keba Keita makes 0-foot tip in dunk
2nd Half46-44Joseph Tugler makes 1-foot dunk (Kingston Flemings assists)
2nd Half46-47Kingston Flemings makes 24-foot three point jumper
2nd Half48-47AJ Dybantsa makes 11-foot jumper
2nd Half48-49Kalifa Sakho makes 1-foot dunk (Kingston Flemings assists)
2nd Half51-49AJ Dybantsa makes 24-foot three point jumper (Robert Wright III assists)
2nd Half51-51Mercy Miller makes 4-foot jumper (Joseph Tugler assists)
2nd Half51-53Kingston Flemings makes 13-foot jumper
2nd Half53-53Dominique Diomande makes 0-foot tip in layup
2nd Half53-55Mercy Miller makes layup (Joseph Tugler assists)
2nd Half53-56Joseph Tugler makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half53-57Joseph Tugler makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half54-57AJ Dybantsa makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half55-57AJ Dybantsa makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half55-59Chris Cenac Jr. makes 2-foot jumper (Joseph Tugler assists)
2nd Half57-59Robert Wright III makes layup
2nd Half58-59Robert Wright III makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half58-61Joseph Tugler makes layup
2nd Half58-64Chase McCarty makes 26-foot three point jumper (Milos Uzan assists)
2nd Half61-64Aleksej Kostic makes 23-foot three point jumper (Robert Wright III assists)
2nd Half61-67Kingston Flemings makes 24-foot three pointer
2nd Half61-68Emanuel Sharp makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half61-69Emanuel Sharp makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half61-70Emanuel Sharp makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half61-71Emanuel Sharp makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half63-71Keba Keita makes 0-foot tip in layup
2nd Half66-71AJ Dybantsa makes 24-foot three pointer
2nd Half66-72Emanuel Sharp makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half66-73Emanuel Sharp makes free throw 2 of 2