Colorado Buffaloes vs
Arizona WildcatsPredictions & Preview

Arizona Wildcats Favored by 15.5 Points Against Colorado Buffaloes in Big 12 Matchup

The Colorado Buffaloes (9-9, 0-7 Big 12) will face off against the Arizona Wildcats (12-6, 6-1 Big 12) on Saturday afternoon. These teams have a history of matchups in the Pac-12, with Arizona dominating last season. Colorado is coming off a loss to BYU, while Arizona recently defeated Oklahoma State. Arizona is favored to win by 15.5 points. Tipoff is at 3:00 EST. Stay tuned for our Colorado vs. Arizona prediction.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Buffaloes +925 | Wildcats -1825
• Spread: Buffaloes +15.5 (-110) | Wildcats -15.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 150.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Arizona will win straight-up is 95%.

Colorado vs Arizona Stats

Colorado Buffaloes

The Colorado Buffaloes have struggled in their first season in the Big 12, losing their last seven games and remaining the only winless team in conference play. Despite an early upset win against #2 UConn, they have been unable to replicate that success. Led by top scorer and playmaker Julian Hammond III, the Buffaloes have relied heavily on his 13.7 PPG and outside shooting abilities. With only one other player, Andrej Jakimovski, averaging double figures in scoring, the team has faced challenges on the offensive end. Defensively, they are ranked 78th in efficiency and 226th overall. Colorado's statistics show an average offense, shooting 45.97% from the field and 34.15% from three-point range, while defensively they allow opponents to shoot 42.91% from the field and 33.41% from beyond the arc. Their overall record of 9-9 does not currently project them to make the NCAA Tournament according to Bracketology.

Arizona Wildcats Analysis

The Arizona Wildcats are currently tied for second place in the Big 12 standings, behind the undefeated Houston Cougars. They suffered their first conference loss last week but have managed to beat three ranked opponents in league play. Caleb Love leads the team in scoring with 15.6 PPG and is their top shooter from beyond the arc. Jaden Bradley and KJ Lewis also contribute double-digit points, while Trey Townsend is a key player in the frontcourt. Arizona is ranked 17th in the nation according to KenPom and is projected to be a 6-seed in the NCAA Tournament. They have a strong offense, ranking 25th in scoring and shooting percentages, and a solid defense, ranking 110th in points allowed and field goal percentage. Despite their recent loss, the Wildcats continue to show promise as they aim for success in postseason play.

Colorado has the Edge Over Arizona in Close Matchup on the Horizon

It is advisable to consider backing Colorado in this matchup, given that Arizona has struggled to cover large spreads in conference play. Arizona fell short of covering a 17-point spread against UCF, winning by just eight points, and also failed to cover a 14.5-point spread versus TCU, winning by only nine points. Despite being ranked second in the conference, Arizona has slightly underperformed this season, dropping out of the Top 25 rankings despite the presence of All-American Caleb Love. The team has faced challenges in finding a reliable secondary star to supplement Love's scoring output. On the other hand, Colorado has yet to secure a conference win but possesses frontcourt scorers who could exploit Arizona's undersized front line. With players like Jakimovski and Malone standing at 6'8 and 6'10 respectively, Colorado is poised to challenge Arizona in the paint. Expect a closer contest than anticipated, with Colorado likely to cover the spread in this game.

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