The TCU Horned Frogs and the Arizona Wildcats tip off Big 12 Conference men’s basketball action on Monday, Dec. 30, in Tucson, Ariz.
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. central on ESPN+. The Horned Frogs (7-4) and the Wildcats (6-5) are both unranked.
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TCU turned over most of its roster from last season, during which the Horned Frogs made the NCAA Tournament. Arizona was considered a preseason Top 25 team coming into the season and but has fallen short of expectations and fell out of the rankings.
Here is a preview of Monday’s game.
How to Watch TCU vs. Arizona
Date: Monday, December 30, 2024
Time: 7 p.m. CT
TV Channel: ESPN+
All Big 12 fans can sign up here through our link for $11.99 per month, or save over 15% with an ESPN+ Annual Plan at $119.99 per year and cancel at any time.
Site: McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz.
TCU vs. Arizona Betting Odds, Lines
Opening Line: Arizona -14.5
Current Line: Arizona -15
Over/Under: 145 (opened at 146.5)
TCU vs. Arizona Predictions
Graduation and transfers required TCU coach Jamie Dixon to put together almost a brand-new roster, and the continuity he built the past few years has suffered. Frankie Collins (11.2 ppg), Trazarien White (10.5 ppg) and Vasean Allette (10.0 ppg) are the leading scorers. But Collins is going to miss the rest of the season after a foot injury he suffered against Vanderbilt.
The Horned Frogs have won the two games since his injury, but both were against mid-majors.
TCU is leaning more on guards Brendan Wenzel (9.4 ppg) and Noah Reynolds (9.4 ppg) and will have to continue to do so in Big 12 play. Center Ernest Udeh Jr. (9.1 ppg, 8.0 rpg) has emerged as an improved player and a better leader on a team that needs it.
Arizona played a brutal non-conference schedule. The Wildcats lost five high-major games, including a neutral-site matchup with West Virginia. It’s not a surprise they’ve dropped out of the Top 25.
But this is still a good team with a chance at playing its way into a double-bye in the Big 12 Tournament. Caleb Love (15.2 ppg), Jaden Bradley (11.4 ppg), Trey Townsend (10.5 ppg) and KJ Lewis (10.1 ppg) are all averaging double figures.
The injury to Motiejus Krivas hurt the frontcourt rotation and forced coach Tommy Lloyd to burn freshman center Emmanuel Stephen’s redshirt. He’s only played two games and needs time to adjust to the college game. His match-up inside with Udeh is worth watching.
Arizona 83, TCU 79
ESPN Matchup Predictor: Arizona (87.6% Chance of Winning)
Odds Shark: Arizona 81, TCU 70
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
