The Purdue Boilermakers and Arizona Wildcats meet Saturday in the college basketball NCAA Tournament at the SAP Center. Here’s an Arizona vs. Purdue Prediction. This article will include an Arizona vs. Purdue Pick.
Purdue Boilermakers Betting Preview
The Purdue Boilermakers beat Texas and Miami. Purdue has won 13 of its last 17 games.
The Purdue Boilermakers are averaging 82.3 points on 50.1 percent shooting and allowing 70.7 points on 44.5 percent shooting. Braden Smith is averaging 14.3 points and 3.5 rebounds, while Trey Kaufman-Renn is averaging 14.3 points and 8.5 rebounds. Fletcher Loyer is the third double-digit scorer and Oscar Cluff is grabbing 7.4 rebounds. The Purdue Boilermakers are shooting 38.5 percent from beyond the arc and 74.2 percent from the free throw line. The Purdue Boilermakers are allowing 34.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 33.2 rebounds per game.
Arizona Wildcats Betting Preview
The Arizona Wildcats beat Utah State and Arkansas. Arizona has won 35 of its last 37 games.
The Arizona Wildcats are averaging 86.1 points on 50 percent shooting and allowing 68.4 points on 39 percent shooting. Brayden Burries is averaging 16.2 points and 2.5 assists, while Koa Peat is averaging 13.9 points and 5.4 rebounds. Jaden Bradley is the third double-digit scorer, and Motiejus Krivas is grabbing 8.1 rebounds. The Arizona Wildcats are shooting 36.4 percent from beyond the arc and 73 percent from the free throw line. The Arizona Wildcats are allowing 31.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 40.2 rebounds per game.
Why the Arizona Wildcats will win
- Arizona has won each of its last 16 games against non-Conference opponents.
- Purdue has lost each of its last four games as a top-10 AP-ranked team against a top-15 AP-ranked team.
- Arizona has won the first half in 15 of its last 16 games against non-Conference opponents.
Why the Purdue Boilermakers will win
- Purdue has won each of its last 10 games played at neutral venues.
- Arizona has lost each of its last three games against teams with an AP Ranking of 8.
- Purdue has won the first half in each of its last 14 Saturday night games as an AP-ranked team.
Total Points: Facts
- Fifteen of Purdue’s last 17 night games at a neutral venue have produced a total of 151 or fewer points.
- Seven of Arizona’s last eight games against AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue have produced a total of 153+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Arizona ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for free throw attempts per game this season (27.0).
- Arizona ranks 1st for free throws made per game (26.3) during this season’s NCAA Tournament.
- Purdue is the only team to be a top four seed in each of the last five NCAA Tournaments.
- Purdue ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for assist-to-turnover ratio this season (2.22).
Arizona vs Purdue Prediction
Arizona has been a well-oiled machine all season, playing elite-level ball at both ends of the floor and is 22-15 ATS. There’s no reason to step in front of Arizona. With that said, Purdue entered the season as a title contender and has finally started to play like it this month. Better late than never. Better than peaking in January or something like other teams.
Purdue has the experience, shotmaking and post play to beat anybody on any given day. Also, Purdue is 3-1 ATS and SU as an underdog this season. Purdue isn’t as sexy as Arizona, but it’s finding ways to win and is grinding on teams this tournament. I expect a close game and wouldn’t be shocked if Purdue has a chance to win late. Give me the points.