Expect a shootout when the No. 23-ranked Arizona Wildcats (18-5) and Washington Huskies (15-7) collide at Alaska Airlines Arena. Action begins at 4:30 pm ET on Saturday, Feb. 6 and can be seen on FOX.
The Huskies enter this game hoping for similar success after topping Arizona State 95-83 on Wednesday. Dejounte Murray was a key piece, recording his second double-double of the season with 34 points and 11 rebounds. The Wildcats, meanwhile, are coming off a 79-64 win against Washington State on Wednesday. Ryan Anderson claimed his 11th double-double of the season with 31 points and 12 rebounds.
Anderson has upped his play for the Wildcats, averaging 19.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 0.6 blocks over the past five games.
Expect this one to be a clinic on boxing out, as two of the nation’s top rebounding teams face off. Washington is among the nation’s best on the offensive glass, ranking 32nd in OR% at 36.4%. Meanwhile, Arizona ranks second in the nation at corralling defensive boards with a DR% of 78.3%. Also, the offense of the Wildcats seems ready to earn plenty of trips to the line. They rank 21st in the nation in FTA rate (44.9), while the Huskies are among the nation’s most foul-happy teams (allowing a 323rd-ranked mark of 44.9).
This is the second game of the season between these two teams, with the Wildcats winning the first matchup 99-67. Anderson had a stellar game with 21 points, nine rebounds, one assist, and one block.
The Huskies have gone 15-7 Straight Up (SU) and 12-9 Against The Spread (ATS). The Huskies have no trouble scoring as they rank 17th in the nation in home offense with 86.5 points per game. Turning to the defensive side, opponents have consistently had their shots rejected by the Huskies, leading the country in blocks per game with 6.9.
In the other locker room, the Wildcats have 18-5 SU and 13-10 ATS records. Arizona performed well ATS during its last 10 games, earning a 7-3 record. Offensively, they average 81.4 points per game, which is good for 20th in the country. The Wildcats convert their three-pointers at a high percentage, ranking 31st in the nation at .383. The Wildcats average 67.4 points allowed per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 88.5 points per game during that span. The Wildcats have one of the best opponent three-point field goal percentages in the country at .314. Defensive rebounding is an area where Arizona has excelled. The Wildcats average 26.8 defensive rebounds per game, making them one of the best in the nation. One advantage for the Wildcats could be Washington’s Division I-high fouls per game average of 25.0.
The Wildcats’ win over Washington in their last clash bumped their SU record over their most recent meetings to 6-4. On the other hand, Washington holds the advantage ATS with a record of 6-4. Arizona held the advantage in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers two times in the last five matchups. On the other side of the court, Washington never accomplished this feat in that span.
Predictions: SU Winner – Wash, ATS Winner – Wash
Notes
“Washington is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games “.
“Washington is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games “.
“The total has gone OVER in 10 of Washington’s last 11 games “.
“Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home”.
“Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home”.
“The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington’s last 6 games at home”.
“Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Arizona”.
“Washington is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Arizona”.
“The total has gone OVER in 11 of Washington’s last 14 games when playing at home against Arizona”.
Washington is one of the top-scoring teams, averaging 85.2 points per game (ranked fifth). Arizona allows 67.4 points per game (ranked 61st).
Washington is one of the top-scoring teams at home, averaging 86.5 points per game (ranked 17th). Arizona, on the other hand, allows 75.7 points per away game (ranked 153rd).
The Arizona Wildcats have a defensive rating of 95.2 (ranked 29th), while the Washington Huskies have an offensive rating of 107.3 (ranked 133rd).
The Washington Huskies average 79.4 possessions per game and 1.073 points per possession, while the Arizona Wildcats earn fewer possessions (70.8) but more points per possession (1.150).
Arizona has the 25th-ranked average effective field goal percentage in the nation at 55.0%. Washington is an even 2-2 when opponents have a similar or higher effective field goal percentage.
Washington ranks 83rd in assists, recording 15.1 per game. Arizona ranks 74th with 15.3 assists per game.
Washington, the sixth-ranked team in rebounding, registers an average of 42.5 rebounds per game. Arizona ranks 35th with 40.2.
Arizona ranks 179th in offensive rebounds, while Washington ranks at 87th in defensive rebounds.
On average, Washington forces a turnover rate of 20.6%. When Arizona turns over the ball at a similar or higher rate, the team has a solid 5-3 record.
