The Arizona men’s basketball team gets set to take on the UCLA Bruins in Phoenix, Ariz., on Saturday, December 14th, 2024.
Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. central on ESPN2. The Wildcats (4-4) are unranked. The Bruins (8-1) are Nov. 24 in AP Top 25.
It’s been a rough season for Arizona, as the Wildcats are the only team in the Big 12 with a .500 record in non-conference. The schedule has been rough. Arizona has faced four high-major programs and has lost all four games. This game represents the Wildcats’ last shot to land a power conference victory before Big 12 play begins.
Everyone is still getting used to UCLA basketball being in the Big Ten, but the Bruins have fared well. They’ve beaten both of their high-major opponents and have won seven games in a row entering Saturday.
UCLA even has a true road win over a power conference team after beating Oregon last week.
It’s a renewal of an old Pac-12 rivalry when the Wildcats and Bruins meet at a neutral site in Phoenix.
Here is a preview of Saturday’s game.
How to Watch Arizona vs. UCLA
Date: Saturday, December 12th, 2024
Time: 2 p.m. CT
TV Channel: ESPN2
Site: Footprint Center, Phoenix, Ariz. (neutral site)
Arizona vs. UCLA Betting Odds, Lines
Opening Line: Arizona -2.5
Current Line: Arizona -4
Over/Under: 145
Note: 53% of the tickets are betting on Arizona to cover
Arizona vs. UCLA Predictions
With five players averaging in double figures and returning guard Caleb Love running the show, the Wildcats should have a better record. Love is averaging 14.1 points per game, while forward Tobe Awaka is averaging 8.6 rebounds per game. Arizona could get their young center Emmanuel Stephen back this week, and if so that would be a boost for Arizona.
The Wildcats have an incredible amount of talent. It just hasn’t come together yet. Defense is certainly an issue, but his track record suggest coach Tommy Lloyd will eventually get these Wildcats on the right track.
Arizona has done itself no favors by losing four games in nonconference. That’s why winning this game is key for Arizona. If the Wildcats become a bubble team, these losses could hurt.
UCLA is having no such issues and the Bruins are already 2-0 in Big Ten play. Tyler Bilodeaux is the player to watch for UCLA. The forward has 13.3 points and 5.9 rebounds in 26 minutes per game. Meanwhile, guard Kobe Johnson only averages 7.3 points but he leads the Bruins with 3.2 assists and 2.1 steals.
This is a team that shoots the three well, knows how to pass the ball, and, perhaps most importantly, defends well. Arizona will have its hands full.
UCLA 78, Arizona 75
ESPN Matchup Predictor: Arizona (60.1% Chance of Winning)
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
