by Rod Pearson
Wednesday, Feb 07, 2024
Game Time: 8:00 pm ET, Thursday, February 8, 2024
Venue: Jon M. Huntsman Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Where to Watch: Pac-12 Network
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Point Spread: Arizona -5, Utah +5; Over/Under: 160.5 points
Bet365: Point Spread: Arizona -5, Utah +5; Over/Under: 160.5 points
BetMGM: Point Spread: Arizona -5, Utah +5; Over/Under: 160.5 points
Season Record
Arizona Wildcats: 17-5 (8-3) (1st place, Pac-12)
Utah Utes: 15-7 (6-5) (5th place, Pac-12)
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Recent Form
Arizona Wildcats: 4-1 last 5
Utah Utes: 3-2 last 5
Arizona Wildcats vs Utah Utes Preview and Analysis
Arizona is entering this game with a 17-5 record overall, an 8-3 record in conference games, and they are 3-3 in their road games this season where they will be in this game. They are coming off a win against the Stanford Cardinal in their last game. Oumar Ballo and Caleb Love each led the team in points per game in that game with 18 while Pelle Larsson was next on the team with 17. Caleb Love led the team in assists with 7 in that game while Oumar Ballo led the team in rebounds with 13. They were 47.7% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range, and 77.8% from the free throw line with their shooting in that game. Their offense is averaging 89 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 72 PPG against them. Arizona has an ATS record of 14-8 this season and their O/U record is 11-11.
Utah is entering this game with a 15-7 record overall, a 6-5 conference record, and they are 12-0 in their home games this season where they will be in this game. They are coming off a win against the Colorado Buffaloes in their last game. Gabe Madsen led the team in points in that game with 21 while Deivon Smith was next on the team with 17. Deivon Smith led the team in assists with 9 in that game while Deivon Smith led the team in rebounds with 11. They were 46.4% from the field, 31.8% from 3-point range, and 70% from the free throw line with their shooting in that game. Their offense is averaging 78.4 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 71.2 PPG against them. Utah has an ATS record of 11-11 this season and their O/U record is 10-11-1.
Arizona vs Utah Prediction
The current betting odds have Utah listed as a 5 point underdog in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. Utah has looked good in their games this season with their 15-7 record overall which has them near the top of the Pac-12 right now. They have struggled more in the Pac-12 with their 6-5 conference record but they have looked great on their home court all year with their 12-0 home record. Meanwhile, Arizona has looked really good in their games this season with their 17-5 record overall which has them ranked inside the top 25 teams in the country. They have looked great in the Pac-12 with their 8-3 conference record that leads the conference right now, but they haven't looked as good in their road games. They have a 3-3 road record this season and that is where they have really struggled in these conference games. They are the best team in the conference right now but Utah has been a really good home team all year and they are going to put up a good fight here. Utah has the potential to pull off an upset win here with the way Arizona has looked in some of their road games this season but even if Arizona finds a way to escape with a win, it won't be by much. The best way to place a bet here is on Utah to cover the spread in this game.
Arizona Utah Prediction: Our NCAAB Pick for Thursday, February 8, 2024 (8:00 pm ET start time) is Utah 81 Arizona 77.
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NCAAB Betting Trends
Arizona Wildcats: 14-8 ATS in all games. 11-6 ATS after scoring 80 points or more. 5-1 ATS after 3 or more consecutive wins. 35-19 UNDER when the total is 160 to 169.5. 31-22 UNDER as a road favorite of 3.5 to 6 points.
Utah Utes: 11-21 ATS as an underdog. 19-33 ATS against conference opponents. 11-24 ATS revenging a loss vs opponent. 25-16 UNDER as a home underdog of 6 points or less or pick. 8-4 UNDER in all home games. 26-17 UNDER after playing a home game.
Key Injuries
Arizona Wildcats: H. Veesaar (F) out for season - Elbow. D. Anderson (F) out for season - Redshirt.
Utah Utes: R. Worster (G) Out indefinitely - Leg. W. Exacte Jr. (G) out for season - Redshirt.
Notable Quotes
“We guarded a little better, didn't get beat individually.” - Tommy Lloyd after his team’s win against Stanford in their last game on Sunday.
“We’ll just have to see after that. I know he’s supposed to be going back to the doctor here any day.... I do anticipate him being back at some point this season. I just don’t know when that’s going to be, hopefully soon.” - Craig Smith on Rollie Worster coming into this game against Arizona.
Starting Lineups
Arizona Wildcats
O. Ballo
K. Boswell
K. Johnson
P. Larsson
C. Love
Utah Utes
C. Bajema
B. Carlson
L. Lovering
G. Madsen
R. Worster
Statistical Leaders
Arizona Wildcats
PPG: C. Love (18.9)
APG: K. Boswell (3.7)
Reb/G: O. Ballo (9.4)
Utah Utes
PPG: B. Carlson (16.1)
APG: R. Worster (5.5)
Reb/G: B. Carlson (6.4)
Coaches:
Arizona Wildcats: Tommy Lloyd (3rd season)
Utah Utes: Craig Smith (3rd season)
Rod Pearson
About the Author:
Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life. He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years. In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective. Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.
