KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Interstat) — The Arizona Wildcats held off a second-half push from the Houston Cougars to win 79-74 in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball game Saturday at T-Mobile Center.

Arizona built a 44-36 halftime lead behind strong early play. Houston narrowed the gap after the break, but the Wildcats secured the victory at the free-throw line late. Brayden Burries led Arizona with 21 points. Joseph Tugler scored 20 points for Houston.

The game, part of Big 12 conference play, drew 11,696 fans. Arizona improved to 32-2 this season, while Houston fell to 28-6. The Wildcats swept the regular-season series, having also won in Houston on Feb. 21.