In this article, we will formulate a LIU vs Arizona Prediction for this NCAA Tournament 1st Round matchup on Friday, March 20th. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this college basketball matchup.
Arizona Wildcats Preview
The Arizona Wildcats have a 32-2 overall record and a 16-2 record in the Big 12 conference. They are coming off a 79-74 win against Houston and their previous three games were an 82-80 win against Iowa State, an 81-59 win against UCF and an 89-79 road win against Colorado.
Offensively, Arizona averages 86.1 points per game, while allowing 68.8 points per game defensively. The Wildcats shoot with 50% from the field and grab 42.5 rebounds per game, while dishing out 16.9 assists per game. They average 4.2 blocks per game and 7.8 steals per game defensively.
Brayden Burries leads Arizona in scoring, with an average of 15.9 points per game, while shooting with 49.2% from the field and 80.4% from the free throw line. Tobe Awaka is the team’s leading rebounder with 9.5 per game. Jaden Bradley leads the team in assists with 4.5 per game.
Long Island University Sharks Preview
The Long Island University Sharks have a 24-10 overall record and a 15-3 record in the NEC conference. They are coming off a 79-70 win against Mercyhurst and their previous three games were a 64-56 win against Wagner, a 79-75 win against Chicago State and a 74-60 win against Fairleigh Dickinson.
Offensively, Long Island averages 74.1 points per game, while allowing 71.1 points per game defensively. The Sharks shoot with 48% from the field and grab 35 rebounds per game, while dishing out 13.6 assists per game. They average 5.4 blocks per game and 7.8 steals per game defensively.
Jamal Fuller leads Long Island in scoring, with an average of 16.4 points per game, while shooting with 52.5% from the field and 77% from the free throw line. Greg Gordon is the team’s leading rebounder with 5.5 per game. Michael Davis leads the team in assists with 3.4 per game.
LIU Sharks @ Arizona Wildcats Betting Trends: March 20, 2026
Why the Arizona Wildcats will win
- Arizona has won each of its last 28 games as a top-3 AP-ranked team against a non-AP-ranked team.
- LIU has lost four of its last five games played at neutral venues.
- Arizona has won the first half in each of its last 11 March day games as a top-5 AP-ranked team.
Why the LIU Sharks will win
- LIU has won seven of its last eight games.
- LIU has won the first half in four of its last five games.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of Arizona’s last eight games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 158+ points.
- Five of LIU’s last six games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 163+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Arizona ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for rebounds per game this season (43.0).
- Arizona ranks 5th among Division 1 teams for rebound percentage this season (57.8%).
- LIU ranks 357th among Division 1 teams for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (16.8).
- LIU ranks 11th among Division 1 teams for blocks per game this season (5.4).
LIU vs Arizona Prediction
In this LIU vs Arizona Prediction, Arizona is coming as -30.5 favorites. Arizona has been the far better team this season and has also been better against the spread with a 20-14 ATS record. They won the Big 12 title and have been scorching-hot with nine consecutive wins, while LIU has been excellent as well, with a 7-1 record in its last 8 games and 4-1 against the spread. Arizona is a top-40 team in the nation both offensively and defensively, with a +17.3 point differential this season, but 30.5 points is just too much for a NCAA Tournament game where upsets can happen at any point. I will ta a shot with LIU and the +30.5 points in this one.