The No. 14 Arizona Wildcats (11-3, 1-0 Pac-12) head to Utah to take on the Runnin’ Utes (10-3, 2-0 Pac-12) in a matchup that pits outstanding offense against exceptional defense. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 4, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 145 points with Arizona opening as a 3.5-point favorite.
Arizona Wildcats vs. Utah Runnin’ Utes Free Prediction
In the Wildcats’ last game, they defeated the No. 3 Arizona State Sun Devils, 84-78. Arizona’s effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Arizona State. The Wildcats had a rate of 0.516 (below their season average of 0.584), while the Sun Devils posted a mark of 0.439 (below their season average of 0.592). Arizona rallied around Deandre Ayton, who was the team’s high scorer with 23 points on 9-for-14 shooting.
The Runnin’ Utes barely escaped the Oregon State Beavers in their last matchup, 66-64. Converting at the free throw line was one of Utah’s largest strengths. They were 13-16 (81.3 percent), while the Beavers were 12-16 (75.0 percent). Justin Bibbins was the game’s leading scorer with 18 points on 6-for-13 shooting.
This matchup pits one of the NCAA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Arizona ranks 16th in offensive efficiency and Utah ranks 60th in defensive efficiency.
Arizona has a superb 11-3 straight up (SU) record, but they are just 5-8-1 against the spread (ATS). Of the Wildcats’ 14 games, six have finished under, seven have finished over and one has pushed.
Meanwhile, Utah owns records of 10-3 SU and 7-4 ATS. Of the Runnin’ Utes’ 11 games that accepted bets, 7 have finished under the total.
After the Wildcats won the sole game against the Runnin’ Utes last season, 66-56, these teams will battle for the first time this year. The Wildcats made 14 of their 17 free throws (82.4 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (25.8 vs. 11.8).
Arizona Wildcats at Utah Runnin’ Utes Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Arizona, ATS Winner – Arizona, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Arizona is 2-4 ATS on the road with 3 overs, 2 unders and 1 push.
At home, Utah is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders, 1 over and 1 push.
Utah ranks 58th in three pointers attempted per game (25.2) while Arizona ranks 234th (18.6).
The Wildcats rank 17th in rebounds allowed per game (30.7) while the Runnin’ Utes rank 107th (34.2).
Utah ranks 24th in assists allowed per game (10.5) while Arizona ranks 113th (13.1).
The Wildcats average 4.6 blocks per game, which ranks 54th in the NCAA. The Runnin’ Utes rank 63rd in blocks allowed per game (3.0).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Arizona is 2-2-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Utah is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 push over their last five games.
The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 14.6, up from 12.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Runnin’ Utes have scored an average of 71.6 points per game (4.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.2 points per game (1.5 below their season average).
