HOUSTON (Interstat) — The Arizona Wildcats built a first-half lead and held off the Houston Cougars for a 73-66 men’s basketball victory Saturday at Hofheinz Pavilion.

Arizona led 36-31 at halftime and maintained its advantage throughout the second half before a crowd of 7,887. The win improved the Wildcats to 25-2 overall, while Houston fell to 23-4. The Cougars had been a five-point pregame favorite. Both teams are members of the Big 12 Conference.