The Canisius Golden Griffins and the Arizona Wildcats meet Monday in college basketball action from McKale Center. Here’s an Arizona vs Canisius prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Arizona vs Canisius pick.
Canisius Golden Griffins Betting Preview
Canisius had a forgettable campaign in 2023-24, posting a 14-18 overall record and an 8-12 mark in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play. The Griffins landed just two spots out of the basement (ahead of Manhattan and Siena) before eventually losing to Quinnipiac in the MAAC Tournament.
Canisius will have a fresh look behind new head coach Jim Christian this year. He’s got just one returning starter in sophomore guard Cam Palesse (6.8 PPG) but has built a pretty good-looking roster through the transfer portal. Jasman Sangha and Tyson Oghene head that group.
Arizona Wildcats Betting Preview
Over on the Arizona side, they’re coming off a 27-9 overall run last year with a 15-5 effort in the Pac-12. Arizona bagged the regular-season conference championship with that record, but lost to Oregon in the tournament. The Wildcats would eventually make it to the Sweet Sixteen, where they lost to Clemson.
Coming into 2024-25, the Wildcats still have some high expectations behind head coach Tommy Lloyd—even though they return just one of their five starters from last year. Kylan Boswell (9.6 PPG), Pelle Larsson (12.8 PPG), Keshad Johnson (11.5 PPG) and Oumar Ballo (12.9 PPG) have all departed.
Why the Arizona Wildcats will win
- Arizona has won each of its last 14 games at McKale Memorial Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Canisius has lost each of its last five Monday day games.
- Arizona has won the first half in seven of its last eight day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Why the Canisius Golden Griffins will win
- Canisius has won three of its last four day games.
- Canisius has won the first half in three of its last four day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Canisius’ last 11 games have produced a total of 143 or fewer points.
- Each of Arizona’s last six games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 150 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Arizona was the only team to ranked in the top-five for both points and assists per game last season.
- Arizona ranked 2nd among Division 1 teams for rebounds per game last season (42.6).
- Canisius ranked 358th among Division 1 teams for free throw percentage last season (62.5%).
- Canisius ranked 41st among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goal attempts per game last season (18.8).
Arizona vs Canisius Prediction
I’ll probably lean toward Arizona. The Wildcats have plenty of talent on their roster, and should have enough returning chemistry to form a nice base to build on. PG Jaden Bradley (7.0 PPG) was incredibly efficient in the tournament last year and should take on a bigger role this season alongside SG Caleb Love (18.0 PPG).
As for Canisius, they’ll be an interesting team to follow this season as we see if Christian can build some chemistry with his fresh roster of transfers. Anthony Benard (Mercer) and Tana Kopa (Long Island) are a couple of intriguing adds. For now however, I think Arizona takes the opener cover as the Griffins work to find their bearings.