Arizona Wildcats (17-5) vs. Utah Utes (15-7)
As the collegiate basketball season heats up, an intriguing matchup awaits this Thursday between Arizona Wildcats and Utah Utes – with both teams boasting impressive records: Arizona has earned 17-5 wins while Utah Utes stand just behind at 15-7. Fans and bettors alike should look forward to this encounter on Thursday; make sure that you visit an excellent live betting website to find action-packed opportunities like this matchup!
Arizona Wildcats are shooting 49% from the field as a team, hitting 7.6 threes per contest at 36.5% accuracy and making 22 free throw attempts per game on average. Arizona also enjoys frequent visits to the free throw line; nearly 24 free throw attempts per game! Arizona have combined for 19 assists but also turn over 12 times per contest; opting to push their tempo even when it results in mistakes; they get 9 steals compared to Utah’s 6.
In contrast, the Utes are hitting 47.3% of their field goals while draining 8.8 threes at a 36.8% rate. Utah doesn’t draw fouls at the same rate, attempting just over 17 free throws per matchup. Utah takes better care of the basketball with 12 turnovers per contest, but they average a few less assists at 17 per game. However, the Utes big men deter drivers, swatting close to 5 shots per night.
Arizona Wildcats vs. Utah Utes Game Info
| When: | Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Jon M. Huntsman Center |
| TV: | PACN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Caleb Love (Guard) vs. Branden Carlson (Center)
In 22 games this season, Caleb Love is averaging 31.5 minutes, 18.9 points, 5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He’s shooting 44.3% from the field, 34% from three and 86% from the free throw line. Love is a high-usage, high-scoring guard who can attack the basket or shoot from the outside. He’ll need to continue his efficient scoring and limit turnovers (2 per game) for Arizona to have success.
Meanwhile, Branden Carlson is putting up 16.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.5 blocks in 29.1 minutes per contest through 21 games. He’s shooting a stellar 46.1% overall and 34.4% from deep, while converting 73.1% of his free throws. Carlson is Utah’s most skilled offensive player, capable of scoring at all three levels with his refined post game, mid-range touch and three-point range. He’s also a major deterrent protecting the rim. For Utah to pull the upset, Carlson will need to exploit mismatches in the post while hitting some pick and pop threes to open up driving lanes.
This battle of efficient, high-scoring stars should go a long way in determining the outcome. If Love can match Carlson’s scoring output while creating havoc defensively, Arizona should be in good shape. But if Carlson dominates the paint and controls the glass, that could tip the scales in Utah’s favor.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
Bettors and fans will eagerly anticipate updates regarding betting odds for this matchup, which should shed further insight into its expected dynamics.
Arizona Wildcats Betting Trends
The Wildcats enter this matchup having gone 4-1 straight up in their last 5 contests, proving they are one of the hottest teams in the Pac-12 right now. However, they have struggled against the spread recently, posting a 2-3 ATS record over that same sample. Digging deeper, Arizona’s road woes are apparent – they are just 3-4 against the number away from home. On the totals, the over has hit in 3 of the Wildcats previous 5 matchups.
Utah Utes Betting Trends
Utah Utes have gone 3-2 straight up in their past 5 outings. Their record against the number is nearly identical over that stretch at 2-3 ATS. Utah has been even worse for bettors in Salt Lake City, owning a 2-5 ATS mark at home. The under looks to be the play when betting totals for the Utes – it has hit in 4 of their last 7 contests.
Arizona Wildcats vs. Utah Utes 2/8/24 Betting Picks
Given the statistical analysis and betting trends, this game promises to be tightly contested. Arizona’s offensive power and Utah’s defensive resilience will clash in what is expected to be a game of strategic depth and tactical execution. While the odds are yet to be set, Arizona’s potent scoring ability and broader statistical advantages position them as the slight favorites.
However, considering the Utes’ strong defensive play and the game being on their home court, they cannot be underestimated. The key to victory will likely lie in the performance of the respective stars, Love and Carlson, and their ability to inspire their teams. Bettors should look for prop bets that focus on these players’ performance metrics and consider the over/under based on the teams’ scoring averages and defensive records. For those seeking NCAAB expert free picks, a close, high-scoring game is anticipated, with a slight edge given to Arizona due to their offensive consistency.
