In this article we will formulate a Duke vs Arizona prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, March 27th at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this game in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
Duke Blue Devils Betting Preview
The Duke Blue Devils are 33-3 (19-1) this year after they defeated Baylor by a score of 89-66 in their last game. Duke led 47-30 at halftime and added 42 points in the second half for the easy win. The Blue Devils shot 64.4% from the field, 54.5% on three pointers, and 82.6% on free throws in the game. Tyrese Proctor led Duke with 25 points and two assists, while Cooper Flagg added 18 points and nine rebounds in the game. Duke had some trouble separating over the first 10 minutes of the game, but they ran away with the victory over the last 30 minutes.
Prior to that win, the Blue Devils defeated Mount St. Mary’s by a score of 93-49 and Louisville by a score of 73-62. Duke has won 13 games in a row and they finished first in the ACC standings with 19-1 record. Duke has scored 83.2 points per game and they have allowed 61.7 points against per game, while also averaging 38.5 rebounds and 16.9 assists per game this season. Cooper Flagg is averaging 18.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, while Kon Knueppel is averaging 14.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game this year. Duke is shooting 48.8% from the field, 78.4% on free throws, and 37.7% on three pointers this season.
Arizona Wildcats Betting Preview
The Arizona Wildcats are 24-12 (14-6) this season after they defeated Oregon by a score of 87-83 in their last game. Arizona led 42-38 at halftime, but they had to make a few key defensive stops late in the second half for the win. The Wildcats shot 45.5% from the field, 50% on three pointers, and 70.8% on free throws in the game. Caleb Love led Arizona with 29 points and nine rebounds, while Tobe Awaka added 12 points and 14 rebounds in the win. Arizona fell behind quickly in the first half against Oregon, but they bounced back and controlled the middle portion of the game, before locking down the win.
Prior to that game, the Wildcats defeated Akron by a score of 93-65, but did lose to Houston by a score of 72-64 before that. Arizona has won four of their last five games and they finished tied for third in the Big 12 standings with a 14-6 record. Arizona has scored 82.2 points per game and they have allowed 72.5 points against per game, while also averaging 40.1 rebounds and 16.3 assists per game this season. Caleb Love is averaging 16.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, while Jaden Bradley is averaging 12.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game this year. Arizona is shooting 47.3% from the field, 78.4% on free throws, and 32.4% on three pointers this season.
Why Duke will beat Arizona
- Duke has won each of its last 13 games.
- Arizona has lost three of its last four games against Top 10 AP-ranked opponents.
- Duke has won the first half in 19 of its last 20 games against non-Conference opponents.
Why Arizona will beat Duke
- Arizona has won each of its last 10 night games played at neutral venues.
- Arizona has won the first half in nine of its last 10 games against AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Duke’s last nine night games against the Big 12 Conference have produced a total of 152 or fewer points.
- Eight of Arizona’s last nine night games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 156+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Duke ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for point differential per game this season (+22.1).
- Duke ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for offensive rating this season (126.4).
- Arizona ranks 10th among Division 1 teams for free throws made per game this season (17.7).
- Arizona ranks 13th among Division 1 teams for rebounds per game this season (39.9).
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Duke vs Arizona Prediction
Duke comes into this contest looking for their 14th win in a row and they cruised to two easy wins last weekend. Arizona blew out Akron in their first game, but they barely survived against Oregon on Sunday. Both of these teams have high scoring offenses, but Duke is the much better defensive team in this matchup. I do think that Duke defense will be the reason they win, but I expect a fast start with plenty of points for each team. Take the over here.