The No. 23 BYU Cougars travel to play the No. 4 Arizona Wildcats in a Wednesday evening matchup set to tip off on ESPN at 8:00 p.m. CT. Though both teams will play in the Big Dance, it’s still a massive game, as both programs are looking to bolster their resumes for March. Arizona was unbeaten until last week, when it dropped its first and second games of the year, and BYU has recorded back-to-back wins after four-straight losses. Here’s a preview, prediction, key storylines, and updated odds to keep an eye on in this matchup as we get set for the game in Waco, Texas.
Arizona vs. BYU Basketball Odds
The Arizona Wildcats currently sit as 11.5-point favorites, with an over/under total points set at 162.5 total points.
Key Storyline: Can BYU Win a Big Game?
Even though BYU has a solid resume and will make it to March, nobody wants to be the team that can’t win big games. The Cougars, unfortunately, are that team, as they’ve taken down just one Top 25 team this season, and that was back in November against No. 24 Wisconsin. They’re 0-4 since then, including a loss earlier this year to Arizona.
Match Up to Watch: BYU Offense vs. Arizona Defense
The matchup between BYU and Arizona features the Big 12’s best two offenses, but the biggest difference comes when looking at defense. Arizona has a much better defense than BYU, with the league’s sixth-best unit, whereas BYU sits in ninth, allowing 7 more points per game than the Wildcats.
Prediction: Arizona 85, BYU 76
This game leaves an interesting taste in the mouth. On one hand, BYU hasn’t shown the ability to win games like this, but that also makes them that much more motivated to get it done. With Richie Saunders done for the year, it will be too much for the Cougars to keep up with Arizona, even if AJ Dybantsa drops 40. Give me the Wildcats at home.
