Houston Cougars vs
Arizona WildcatsPredictions & Preview

Houston vs Arizona Set to Clash in Top 25 Showdown in Tucson

The (20-4, 12-1 Big 12) Houston team will be facing off against the (17-7, 11-2 Big 12) Arizona team in a Top 25 matchup in Tucson. The teams did not meet last season as Arizona was still in the Pac-12. Houston is coming off a home win over Baylor, while Arizona just lost on the road against Kansas State. The game is scheduled for 2:00 EST on ESPN. Houston is currently the betting favorite at -1.5.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Cougars -125 | Wildcats +104
• Spread: Cougars -1.5 (-110) | Wildcats +1.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 137.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Houston will win straight-up is 56%.

Houston vs Arizona Stats

Houston Cougars

The Houston Cougars are currently at the top of the Big 12 standings with a 12-1 record, holding a one game lead over their upcoming opponent, Arizona. Led by senior guard LJ Cryer, who is the team's top scorer with 14.3 PPG, the Cougars have been on a winning streak with their last three victories. Cryer, known for his outside shooting, has made 68 threes on 41.0% shooting from deep. Alongside Cryer, Emanuel Sharp and J'Wan Roberts contribute significantly to the team's success. With a power ranking of 35, Houston excels in defense, allowing an average of 56.09 points per game, ranking them first in defense in the nation. Offensively, they score an average of 75.57 points per game, with Cryer leading the charge from beyond the arc. Overall, the Cougars are positioned to be a 2-seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament according to Bracketology.

Arizona Wildcats Analysis

The Arizona Wildcats have an opportunity to move to the top of the Big 12 standings by winning their upcoming game at home, which would also give them the tiebreaker over Houston. Despite recent losses to Texas Tech and Kansas State, Arizona has secured five conference wins against ranked opponents, including a notable victory over #3 Iowa State. Key players include KJ Lewis, their third leading scorer known for his strong play off the bench, top scorer Caleb Love, and Jaden Bradley, who leads the team in assists. The Wildcats are ranked 14th overall and projected as a 3-seed in the NCAA Tournament. In terms of offensive and defensive efficiency, Arizona ranks 21st in offense and 119th in defense, and they excel in rebounding and assisting on offense. Defensively, they are effective in limiting field goal percentage but struggle slightly with three-point defense. The Wildcats are known for their fast pace of play and are currently 17-7 for the season.

Arizona Wildcats to Face Houston in Crucial Matchup for Top Spot in Big 12

The Arizona Wildcats will be facing off against the Houston team at home in a crucial matchup for the top spot in the Big 12. Both teams boast strong perimeter players, but Houston has been dealing with an ankle injury affecting one of their key players, Emanuel Sharp. Sharp, who is the second leading scorer for Houston, has struggled to perform at his usual level due to his recent injury. It is imperative for Houston that Sharp regains his form and contributes significantly on the scoreboard against Arizona's formidable offense. With players like Love, Bradley, and Lewis, Arizona has a strong perimeter defense to match up against Houston's guards and dictate the tempo of the game. Arizona, known for their success against ranked opponents this season, is highly motivated to bounce back from their recent loss and secure a win. Considering these factors, the prediction is for Arizona to cover in this matchup.

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