The BYU Cougars and Arizona Wildcats meet on Saturday in college basketball action at McHale Center. Here’s a BYU vs Arizona Prediction. This article will include a BYU vs Arizona Pick.
BYU Cougars Betting Preview
The BYU Cougars (18-8, 14-11-1 ATS) won seven of the previous nine games, including the last three over West Virginia, Kansas State, and Kansas. The most recent W against the Jayhawks was quite impressive as the Cougars scored 91 and allowed just 57 points to the top 25-ranked Kansas. In a remarkable performance, BYU surged ahead by as much as 38 points, securing a 34-point victory that matched the most significant scoring margin loss experienced by Kansas coach Bill Self in his 22 seasons of coaching. BYU is currently 5th in the Big 12 standings.
BYU is averaging 80.2 PPG (45th) and is allowing 68.7 PPG (76th). The Cougars are getting 37.4 RPG (96th) and are having 17.1 APG (22nd). Richie Saunders is the team’s top scorer with 15.2 PPG, along with 4.4 RPG, and a team-high 1.2 SPG. Egor Demin adds 10.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG, a team-high 5.5 APG, and 1.2 SPG, while Trevin Knell contributes 9.4 PPG, 2.6 RPG, and 1.0 SPG.
Arizona Wildcats Betting Preview
The Arizona Wildcats (18-8, 15-11 ATS) concluded 2024 (mid-December) and started the new year (early February) with an impressive 13-1 record. The lone loss in that positive span came to Texas Tech on the road, and although they got revenge with an 82-73 home victory earlier this month, the Wildcats suffered straight defeats to Kansas State and Houston. Arizona managed to bounce back with a 74-67 road W over Baylor, and now sits in second place in the Big 12, two games behind Houston.
Arizona averages 81.0 PPG (37th) and allows 69.4 PPG (106th). The Wildcats are 13th in rebounds (40.7) and 28th in assists (17.0). Caleb Love leads the team with 15.8 PPG and also averages 4.4 RPG, 3.3 APG, and 1.3 SPG. Jaden Bradley follows him with 11.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG, a team-high 3.8 APG, and a team-high 2.0 SPG, while KJ Lewis chips in with 10.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 3.1 APG, and 1.4 SPG.
Why Arizona will beat BYU
- Arizona has won each of its last 39 night games at McKale Memorial Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- BYU has lost five of its last six games against AP-ranked opponents.
- Arizona has won the first half in each of its last 11 games at McKale Memorial Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of BYU’s last seven road night games against Conference opponents has produced a total of 150 or fewer points.
- Each of Arizona’s last five night games against non-AP-ranked opponents at McKale Memorial Center have produced a total of 157+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Arizona ranks 10th among Division 1 teams for rebounds per game this season (40.7).
- Arizona ranks 13th among Division 1 teams for rebound percentage this season (55.5%).
- BYU ranks 10th among Division 1 teams for three-point field goals made per game this season (10.5).
- BYU ranks 12th among Division 1 teams for effective field goal percentage this season (57.0%).
BYU vs Arizona Prediction
Arizona beat BYU 85-74 on the road earlier this month, and even though the Cougars will be looking for revenge on Saturday, I think the hosts will get another W. Although BYU covered the spread in 20 of its last 34 games, Arizona has a slightly better ATS record.
BYU is only 3-5 on the road, while Arizona is 11-2 at home. I don’t think the Wildcats can claim a top seed in the conference, but they will do everything they can to secure the No. 2 spot, and a victory in this clash will be crucial. Go with the hosts to cover.