The Utah Runnin’ Utes (7-6, 1-0 Pac-12) visit Arizona to take on the Wildcats (10-4, 1-0 Pac-12) in a matchup that pits phenomenal offense against tremendous defense. The game can be seen on Pac-12 Network at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Utah Runnin’ Utes at Arizona Wildcats ATS Prediction
In the Runnin’ Utes’ last outing, they topped the Maine Black Bears, 75-61. The Runnin’ Utes had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.3 vs. 13.5) and had a better free throw rate (0.236 vs. 0.145). With 18 points on 5-for-14 shooting, Sedrick Barefield was Utah’s high scorer.
The Wildcats had no trouble getting past the Houston Baptist Huskies in their last matchup, 90-60. The Wildcats had a much better free throw rate (0.491 vs. 0.159) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.544 vs. 0.355). Brandon Randolph was the top scorer from either team with 25 points on 8-for-12 shooting from the field.
There’s a decent chance that Utah struggles to create turnovers. Arizona ranks 61st in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.9 percent), while Utah forces the sixth-fewest turnovers (15.1 percent). Moreover, the 44th-ranked offense of the Runnin’ Utes (offensive efficiency of 114.0) will clash against the 43rd-ranked defense of the Wildcats (defensive efficiency of 92.5).
Brandon Williams has averaged 0 points over the last five games for Arizona.
After the Wildcats won both matchups against the Runnin’ Utes last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, Arizona won 74-73. Arizona had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.756 vs. 0.509). Utah, meanwhile, did an excellent job of making free throws (18-21; 85.7 percent).
Utah Runnin’ Utes vs. Arizona Wildcats Odds Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Arizona, ATS Winner – Arizona, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Arizona ranks 28th in assists allowed per game (10.5) while Utah ranks 149th (13.7).
The Runnin’ Utes rank 21st in rebounds allowed per game (30.6) while the Wildcats rank 136th (34.9).
Arizona is 17th in the NCAA with 4.8 steals allowed per game while Utah is 43rd with 5.4 steals allowed per game.
The Runnin’ Utes rank 77th in three pointers attempted per game (25.1) while the Wildcats rank 84th in three pointers allowed per game (21.1).
Bettings Trends:
The Runnin’ Utes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.6, up from 1.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 79.2 points per game (5.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 64.8 points per game (0.1 below their season average).
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