The Utah Runnin’ Utes (7-6, 1-0 Pac-12) and their great offense head to Arizona to play the Wildcats (10-4, 1-0 Pac-12) and their tremendous defense. The game will air on Pac-12 Network at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Utah Runnin’ Utes at Arizona Wildcats Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Wildcats dismantled the Houston Baptist Huskies 90-60, while the Runnin’ Utes were victorious over the Maine Black Bears 75-61.
Utah dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.3 and a free throw rate of 0.236. For those same stats, Maine was 13.5 and 0.145, respectively. Arizona, on the other hand, dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had a free throw rate of 0.491 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.544. Houston Baptist was 0.159 and 0.355, respectively, for those same stats. Arizona’s Brandon Randolph had a good outing, contributing 25 points. Meanwhile, Sedrick Barefield played a pivotal role for Utah with 18 points and eight assists.
The Wildcats dominated this series last year, taking both contests. In the last contest, Arizona won 74-73. Arizona had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.756 vs. 0.509). Utah, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of converting from the charity stripe (18-21; 85.7 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Brandon Williams has taken his game to another level recently for Arizona, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
Utah might have a difficult time creating 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 battle against the 43rd-ranked defense of the Wildcats (defensive efficiency of 92.5).
Utah vs. Arizona Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Arizona, ATS Winner – Arizona, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Arizona ranks 28th in assists allowed per game (10.5) while Utah ranks 149th (13.7).
- 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).
- The Runnin’ Utes rank 21st in rebounds allowed per game (30.6) while the Wildcats rank 136th (34.9).
- Arizona is 17th in the nation with 4.8 steals allowed per game while Utah is 43rd with 5.4 steals allowed per game.
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).
