Arizona

Arizona vs Houston basketball live updates: Big 12 championship score, highlights

Published

3 hours ago

March 14, 2026

Press Room

Arizona vs Houston basketball live updates: Big 12 championship score, highlights

The foregone conclusion has finally become reality for the 2026 men’s Big 12 Tournament.

The top two teams in the conference, No. 2 Arizona and No. 5 Houston, will face off for conference supremacy in the Big 12 Championship on Saturday, March 14.

The top-seeded Wildcats defeated No. 8 seed Central Florida and No. 5 seed Iowa State 81-59 and 82-80, respectively, to make their way to the Big 12 Championship. No. 2-seed Houston, meanwhile, defeated No. 10 seed Brigham Young and No. 3 seed Kansas by scores of 73-66 and 56-47, respectively, to reach the title game.

Follow along live as USA Today Sports provides live updates, scores and highlights from the 2026 Big 12 Championship:

TEAMS	1H	2H	F
Houston	36	38	74
Arizona	44	35	79

Houston’s furious comeback attempt falls short, as Arizona avenges last year’s Big 12 Championship loss against the Cougars with a 79-74 win. Arizona is your Big 12 champion, a day before it is officially labeled a 1 seed in the 2026 men’s NCAA Tournament. Koa Peat is the Big 12 Championship Player of the Game with 21 points and six rebounds.

Motiejus Krivas hits a pair of must-have free throws to extend Arizona’s lead to 77-72 with 22 seconds left. On the opposite end, Koa Peat fouls out with 21 points and the Wildcats nursing a five-point lead with 13.1 seconds to play.

Houston hits a pair of timely 3s with Mercy Miller and Milos Uzan to make it 75-72 Arizona. The Wildcats take a timeout with 48.5 seconds left in the game.

Trailing 73-66 with 1:31 left to play, Houston loses one of its best 3-point weapons as Emanuel Sharp fouls out with 10 points. Arizona is starting to clamp down late.

Ivan Kharchenkov is doing his part to help Arizona win the Big 12 Championship with a 3-pointer, made field goal and two made free throws. He has the Wildcats’ last seven points. The Wildcats lead 69-62 with 3:56 remaining.

It’s game on in the Big 12 Championship game. Houston goes on an incredible 14-0 run that’s finally stopped by a Brayden Burries and-1. Houston has a chance to make it 62-58 but this is far from the blowout it was shaping up to be.

Houston’s mounting somethign of a comeback, pulling to within five points of the Wildcats with 9:32 minutes left to play off a 10-0 run. Several Wildcats players are in foul trouble as well, as Koa Peat and Tobe Awaka have four fouls apiece. Motiejus Krivas has three fouls.

It’s all Arizona in the second half, as the Wildcats now hold a 12-point lead at the under-12 timeout following a Houston 3-pointer. It will be Cougars ball out of the timeout.

It took over 3 minutes into the second half, but Houston finally scores its first basket from a Chase McCarty 3-pointer. Houston will need a lot more of that to get back into this, as Arizona leads 53-39 with 15:49 left in the game.

Potentially significant update in the Big 12 Championship, as Big 12 Player of the Year Jaden Bradley appears to hurt his left wrist as Emanuel Sharp is called for the foul, his third of the game. He leaves the game and heads to the locker room.

Arizona opens the second half with a 4-0 run, forcing Sampson to take his second timeout with 18:13 to play. There is some frustration brewing on the Cougars’ sideline.

Here’s a look at the halftime stats with Arizona holding a 44-36 lead:

Field goals: Houston 14 of 28 (50%) | Arizona 15 of 30 (50%)
3-pointers: Houston 3 of 9 (33.33%) | Arizona 4 of 9 (44%)
Free throws: Houston 5 of 6 (83%) | Arizona 10 of 11 (91%)
Rebounds: Houston 11 | Arizona 11
Assists: Houston 5 | Arizona 6
Steals: Houston N/A | Arizona N/A
Blocks: Houston N/A | Arizona N/A
Turnovers: Houston 5 | Arizona 2
Fouls: Houston 10 | Arizona 7
Largest lead: Houston 2 | Arizona 8
Percentage of game led: Houston 5% | Arizona 87%

Houston refuses to go away, but Arizona is doing its part in maintaining a somewhat comfortable distance from the Cougars. The Cougars have 44-36 lead with 13.1 seconds in the half, and they have Brayden Burries to thank for it. He has their last 10 points.

Tie ballgame! A tough field goal from Kingston Flemings in the paint knots it up 33-33 with 3:36 left in the first half.

Mercy, Miller. A massive 3-pointer from the sophomore guard makes the score 31-29 in favor of Arizona. Houston makes its last four shots and the pace is beginning to pick up in the Bigt 12 Championship.

And now here’s Houston with a 6-0 run off two made field goals and two made free throws. The Cougars have cut the deficit to 22-20 at the under-8 timeout with 8:00 left to pay in the half.

Wildcats go on a 6-0 run in less than a minute out of the under-12 timeout, growing their lead to 22-14 with 10:25 and forcing Kelvin Sampson to burn his first timeout, down 22-14.

Arizona holds a slim 16-14 lead with 11:39 left in the half. The Wildcats also have a slim shooting lead, going 6-of-12 from the field compared to Houston’s 6-of-13.

Jaden Bradley is off to a hot start, scoring eight of Arizona’s 14 points, including six off two made 3-pointers.

Arizona started the game with a 5-0 run. Houston has since rebounded, so to speak, going on a 7-0 run, capped with a Chris Cenac Jr. 3-pointer at the under-16 timeout.

Koa Peats opens the scoring in the Big 12 Championship with an easy 2-pointer, and we’re off from the T-Mobile Center!

What channel is Arizona vs Houston basketball on today?

The Big 12 Championship will air nationally on ESPN. Streaming options include the ESPN app and Fubo, which offers a free trial.

Arizona vs Houston start time today

Date: Saturday, March 14
Time: 6:10 p.m. ET | 5:10 p.m. CT
Location: T-Mobile Center (Kansas City, Missouri)

The Big 12 Championship is scheduled to tip off at 6:10 p.m. ET (5:10 p.m. local) from the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City on Saturday, March 14.

Arizona vs Houston odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM on Saturday, March 14

Odds: Arizona (-1.5)
Over/under: 138.5
Moneyline: Arizona (-135) | Houston (+110)

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Arizona

Arizona Cardinals roster, depth chart projection after free agency

Published

15 hours ago

March 14, 2026

Press Room

Arizona Cardinals roster, depth chart projection after free agency

The primary free agent period is over, and the Arizona Cardinals addressed precious few of their needs.

A year ago, they used this time to add a Pro Bowl edge rusher and two starting defensive tackles to build a roster that looked — on paper — capable of competing for a playoff spot. This time around, their moves have mostly been on the periphery, bolstering their depth without fixing the biggest issues.

As a result, their external perception has rarely been lower. On DraftKings, they are currently +1800 to reach the playoffs — odds twice as bad as any other team. Ten teams have better odds to win the Super Bowl than the Cardinals do to make the playoffs.

So, where does the roster stand? The Cardinals have seven draft picks, most of whom will make the team, but for now, here is our 53-man roster projection.

Offense

Quarterback (2): Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew

Of the two most intriguing quarterback options on the free agent market, the Cardinals missed out on one (Malik Willis) and cut the other (Kyler Murray). Instead, they opted for a backup signing in Minshew, meaning that Brissett remains the presumptive starter heading into draft season. It’s the primary reason that oddsmakers view them as the worst team in the NFL.

Running back (4): Tyler Allgeier, James Conner, Trey Benson, Bam Knight

A week ago, this seemed as if it could be Benson’s backfield. But the Cardinals avoided cutting Conner by re-negotiating his contract, then signed Allgeier to a two-year deal. Now, Benson looks like the third back in a three-man committee. While there is plenty of experience in this room, it’s an odd mix — none of these players profiles as a third-down, pass-catching back.

Wide receiver (6): Michael Wilson, Marvin Harrison Jr., Kendrick Bourne, Jalen Brooks, Xavier Weaver, Andre Baccellia

The Cardinals’ wide receiver corps is among their better position groups, and they augmented it by signing Bourne to a two-year deal. He immediately becomes a reliable third option behind Wilson and Harrison. The issue is further down the depth chart, where none of the Cardinals’ options have any track record of note in the NFL.

Tight end (3): Trey McBride, Elijah Higgins, Tip Reiman

The Cardinals haven’t made any moves at tight end because there’s no need to. McBride is their best player and arguably the best tight end in the NFL. Higgins is a solid yards-after-catch threat who fills his role well as the second tight end. And Reiman is a blocking-first tight end who makes the run game tick. This is Arizona’s best position group.

Offensive tackle (4): Paris Johnson Jr., Elijah Wilkinson, Josh Fryar, Christian Jones

The Cardinals added Wilkinson on a two-year deal in free agency, giving themselves a viable option at right tackle if they don’t find one in the draft. He has primarily been a backup throughout his career, at both guard and tackle, but did fill in suitably as a starter for the Falcons last year. Further down the depth chart, there are some homegrown young players who have shown small flashes in their rare snaps — Fryar, Jones and Demontrey Jacobs. Those players would vie for backup spots, as the roster is currently constructed.

Interior offensive line (6): Isaac Seumalo, Hjalte Froholdt, Isaiah Adams, Jon Gaines, Matt Pryor, Hayden Conner

Seumalo’s three-year deal was the Cardinals’ biggest investment of free agency, and it shores up one guard spot. Center, meanwhile, is secure with Froholdt. The other guard spot, though, looks like a competition between Adams and Gaines. Both players showed positive signs late last season. Pryor, a one-year free agent signing, can play all across the line and will provide depth if he makes the roster.

Defense

Interior defensive line (6): Walter Nolen, Darius Robinson, Dante Stills, Roy Lopez, L.J. Collier, Jonah Williams

The Cardinals made a clear effort to improve their defensive line depth after releasing Dalvin Tomlinson. They brought back Collier on a one-year deal and added Lopez and Williams, the former of whom fills a need at nose tackle. The problem: No one other than Nolen projects as anything close to an impact player. A team can only ride serviceable depth so far.

Edge rusher (5): Josh Sweat, Zaven Collins, Baron Browning, B.J. Ojulari, Jordan Burch

The Cardinals’ edge group is untouched so far this offseason. No additions, no departures. Sweat was excellent in his first season in Arizona, but no one else here has proven to be a high-level sack threat, so the Cardinals could opt for an edge rusher with the No. 3 pick.

Linebacker (3): Mack Wilson, Cody Simon, Owen Pappoe

As expected, the Cardinals released Akeem Davis-Gaither, saving $5.2 million against the cap. But they also have not replaced him, which leaves an awfully thin group. Wilson will likely once again operate the defense as the ‘green dot’ linebacker, but Simon endured some rookie struggles last season. Entrusting him with a starting job from day one of training camp would be a risk.

Cornerback (6): Will Johnson, Starling Thomas V, Garrett Williams, Denzel Burke, Sean Murphy-Bunting, Max Melton

The cornerback room is unique in that it’s the spot where the Cardinals have abundant depth. Every player here could compete for a starting role. And yet, the second outside spot remains a major question mark. Johnson figures to start at one spot, with Williams operating as the nickel when he returns from his torn Achilles. But no one immediately jumps out as a reliable starter opposite Johnson.

Safety (5): Budda Baker, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Andrew Wingard, Kitan Crawford, Joey Blount

The Cardinals allowed Jalen Thompson to leave in free agency after seven seasons, then filled his spot on the roster with Wingard, who has mostly served as a backup throughout his career. That serves as a vote of confidence in Taylor-Demerson, who was the third safety over the past two years but will now step into a starting job.

Specialists

Kicker (1): Chad Ryland

Punter (1): Blake Gillikin

Long snapper (1): Casey Kreiter

The Cardinals brought back both Ryland and Gillikin, both of whom were restricted free agents. Gillikin is entrenched at punter, while Ryland will compete with Joshua Karty for the kicker spot, though he appears to have the upper hand. The lone addition to the specialists’ room is Kreiter, who spent the past five years with the Giants. He is also familiar with the new special teams coach, Michael Ghobrial, from their time together in New York.

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$313M ICE detention facility planned for Arizona warehouse divides community

Published

1 day ago

March 13, 2026

Press Room

3M ICE detention facility planned for Arizona warehouse divides community

SURPRISE, Ariz. – Lawmakers and community members are demanding answers about an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility set to be built in Surprise. Both sides are weighing in.

Plans for an ICE facility in Surprise are moving forward. At the same time, the battle to stop it is heating up. A Canadian company was awarded the contract this week to turn an existing warehouse into a holding facility, but it comes with all kinds of concerns.

The backstory:

The building at Sweetwater Avenue and Dysart Road is 400,000 square feet and was originally built for light industrial use. However, it is now set to become a regional intake facility for ICE—or as protesters call it, a “human warehouse.”

A small group of concerned citizens stands in front of the massive warehouse, which is set to become one of the largest ICE facilities in the nation, capable of holding 1,500 migrants. They are worried about everything from safety inside the building to security outside.

GardaWorld Federal, the Canadian company awarded the $313 million contract, is the same company running a controversial ICE facility in Florida nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.” The company claims to have decades of experience serving migrants from New Mexico to New York, including experienced security staff along with legal and medical professionals.

What they’re saying:

Not every Surprise resident is against the ICE operation. Several spoke out at a recent city council meeting.

“I support our law enforcement. They’re willing to take up that armor as well,” said one supporter. Another resident added, “Law enforcement agents are removing criminals from our neighborhood. It is much safer for me, my family, and my neighbors if those criminals are detained securely as they await deportation.”

The other side:

However, others see the project differently.

“For students, this is not a political matter. It is a safety concern and fear,” said Cali Overs, student body vice president at Dysart High School. “This is something they will have to coexist with in their everyday lives and affect their learning.”

Community leader Lisa Everett also shared her opposition. “I am a Christian and a mother, just a good person before I’m a Republican, and I’m sorry I have to say we don’t want this in Surprise.”

Beyond safety and security concerns, the group has a problem with the way the project is being handled, alleging the Trump administration is bypassing local governments and community input.

What’s next:

The facility could be renovated and ready to open by the end of the year.

The Source: Surprise city council meeting, previous FOX 10 reporting, and interviews with Cali Overs and Lisa Everett

ImmigrationSurpriseNewsPolitics

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Arizona

Arizona Lottery Pick 3, Fantasy 5 results for March 12, 2026

Published

2 days ago

March 13, 2026

Press Room

Arizona Lottery Pick 3, Fantasy 5 results for March 12, 2026

The Arizona Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at Thursday, March 12, 2026 results for each game:

Winning Pick 3 numbers

3-5-1

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Fantasy 5 numbers

01-05-06-27-33

Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Triple Twist numbers

02-09-16-18-30-38

Check Triple Twist payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news and results

What time is the Powerball drawing?

Powerball drawings are at 7:59 p.m. Arizona time on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

How much is a Powerball lottery ticket today?

In Arizona, Powerball tickets cost $2 per game, according to the Arizona Lottery.

How to play the Powerball

To play, select five numbers from 1 to 69 for the white balls, then select one number from 1 to 26 for the red Powerball.

You can choose your lucky numbers on a play slip or let the lottery terminal randomly pick your numbers.

To win, match one of the 9 Ways to Win:

5 white balls + 1 red Powerball = Grand prize.
5 white balls = $1 million.
4 white balls + 1 red Powerball = $50,000.
4 white balls = $100.
3 white balls + 1 red Powerball = $100.
3 white balls = $7.
2 white balls + 1 red Powerball = $7.
1 white ball + 1 red Powerball = $4.
1 red Powerball = $4.

There’s a chance to have your winnings increased two, three, four, five and 10 times through the Power Play for an additional $1 per play. Players can multiply non-jackpot wins up to 10 times when the jackpot is $150 million or less.

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All Arizona Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $100 and may redeem winnings up to $599. For prizes over $599, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at Arizona Lottery offices. By mail, send a winner claim form, winning lottery ticket and a copy of a government-issued ID to P.O. Box 2913, Phoenix, AZ 85062.

To submit in person, sign the back of your ticket, fill out a winner claim form and deliver the form, along with the ticket and government-issued ID to any of these locations:

Phoenix Arizona Lottery Office: 4740 E. University Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85034, 480-921-4400. Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed holidays. This office can cash prizes of any amount.

Tucson Arizona Lottery Office: 2955 E. Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85716, 520-628-5107. Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed holidays. This office can cash prizes of any amount.

Phoenix Sky Harbor Lottery Office: Terminal 4 Baggage Claim, 3400 E. Sky Harbor Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85034, 480-921-4424. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday, closed holidays. This office can cash prizes up to $49,999.

Kingman Arizona Lottery Office: Inside Walmart, 3396 Stockton Hill Road, Kingman, AZ 86409, 928-753-8808. Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, closed holidays. This office can cash prizes up to $49,999.

Check previous winning numbers and payouts at https://www.arizonalottery.com/.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Arizona Republic editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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