Long Beach State Beach (21-14) vs. Arizona Wildcats (25-8)
March 21, 2024 2:00 pm EDT
The Line: Arizona Wildcats -20.5; Over/Under: +163.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article we will formulate a Long Beach State vs Arizona betting prediction for this NCAA Tournament college basketball game on Thursday, March 21st at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. To formulate this prediction, we will examine:
- The Long Beach State recent form and recent player performance
- The Arizona recent form and recent play performance
- Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Long Beach State
- Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Arizona
- Recent betting trends in games played between Long Beach State and Arizona
- A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for Today’s Game between Long Beach State and Arizona
Long Beach State Preview
The Long Beach State Beach are 21-14 (10-10) this season after they defeated UC Davis by a score of 74-70 in their last game. Long Beach State lost five games in a row to end the regular season and they decided to part ways with their coach after the season, but they went on a run in the Big West tournament and find themselves in the Big Dance. The Beach only went 10-10 in conference play this season and they finished tied for fifth in the Big West. Long Beach State did beat Michigan and USC this season, while picking up a 12 point loss to San Diego State. The Beach are scoring 77.7 points per game with 38.5 rebounds per game and 15.4 assists per game, while allowing 75.7 points against per game this season. Marcus Tsohonis is averaging 17.8 points per game, 3.2 rebounds per game, and 2.9 assists per game. Long Beach State is shooting 44.7% from the field, 71.1% on free throws, and 30.8% on three pointers this year.
Arizona Preview
The Arizona Wildcats are 25-8 (15-5) this year after they lost to Oregon by a score of 67-59 in the PAC-12 Tournament. Arizona had a fantastic regular season and they won the PAC-12, but they have lost two of their last three games. Despite those two recent losses, the Wildcats have won 11 of their last 14 games. Arizona has quality wins over Duke, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Alabama, and Oregon. The Wildcats are scoring 87.9 points per game with 42.6 rebounds per game and 18.6 assists per game, while giving up 72.2 points against per game this year. Caleb Love is averaging 18.1 points per game, 4.7 rebounds per game, and 3.4 assists per game. Arizona is shooting 48.9% from the field, 71.9% on free throws, and 37.1% on three pointers this season.
Long Beach State vs Arizona Betting Prediction
Long Beach State comes into this matchup after making a magical run through the Big West Tournament, but they will have their hands full with a very high scoring Arizona team here. The Wildcats are scoring 87.9 points per game, but they were held to 70 points or fewer in their last three games. Arizona did lose to Oregon and USC in two of their last three games, but I think the offense will bounce back here. Long Beach State is not very good defensively, but they are a decent offensive team. I do like how Long Beach State has fought through some adversity to get to this point, but I don’t see how they keep this game within 20 points. Arizona is too good and they should score 90+ points here. Take the Wildcats in a blowout win.
