Clemson Tigers vs
Arizona WildcatsPredictions & Preview

Arizona Wildcats poised to take down Clemson Tigers in Sweet 16 showdown at crypto.com Arena

The Sweet 16 action in the West Region kicks off with a matchup between the 6-seed Clemson Tigers and the 2-seed Arizona Wildcats. Clemson has pulled off impressive wins against New Mexico and Baylor to advance, while Arizona has cruised past Long Beach State and Dayton. The winner of this game will face either Alabama or North Carolina for a spot in the Final Four. Arizona is favored by 7 points in this matchup, with the current line at Arizona -7.5. Tipoff is set for 7:09 EST at crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, airing on CBS.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Tigers +260 | Wildcats -315
• Spread: Tigers +7.5 (-110) | Wildcats -7.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 152 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Arizona will win straight-up is 76%.

Clemson vs Arizona Stats

Clemson Tigers

Despite not being considered the strongest conference this season, the ACC has the most teams in the Sweet 16. Clemson, currently ranked 23rd overall in KenPom, is the second lowest ranked remaining team. Led by guard Chase Hunter and top player PJ Hall, the Tigers have shown their strength in the tournament. With a power ranking of 126, Clemson ranks 75th in offense and 137th in defense. Offensively, they shoot well from the field and free-throw line. Defensively, they excel in field goal percentage but struggle with three-pointers and free throws. In terms of rebounding and assists, Clemson is solid on both ends of the floor. There are no new injuries impacting the team's recent depth chart.

Arizona Wildcats Analysis

The Arizona Wildcats have advanced to the Sweet 16 after defeating Long Beach State and Dayton. They have the fourth best odds to win the title at +850 on FanDuel. Caleb Love and Oumar Ballo have been standout players for the team, with Love being named a Third Team All American and Ballo averaging a double-double. The team is ranked 5th overall according to KenPom, with a strong offense and defense. There are no listed injuries for the team. Arizona Wildcats have a power ranking of 49 and are ranked #3 for offense in the NCAAB, scoring an average of 87.57 points per game. They have a strong shooting percentage and rebounding ability. On defense, they have solid numbers in field goal percentage and rebounding as well. Overall, the Wildcats have shown strength on both ends of the court and are a top contender in the tournament.

Arizona's Defensive Prowess Sets Them Up for Victory Against Clemson's Top Scorer

Arizona boasts an abundance of talent that aligns favorably with the Tigers in their starting lineup matchup. PJ Hall stands as Clemson's standout player, yet he may encounter challenges scoring against Oumar Ballo in the interior. Arizona possesses various defensive options to contain Hall, such as bringing Motiejus Krivas off the bench to reinforce their defensive presence in the paint. Should Hall leverage his perimeter expertise, Arizona can seamlessly adjust by assigning Keshad Johnson to guard him, leveraging Johnson's athleticism and strength to apply pressure on the perimeter. With Clemson relying heavily on only three primary scorers and inconsistent tournament performances from Chase Hunter, Arizona's formidable defense - ranked 10th in the nation - is primed to disrupt Clemson's offensive rhythm. Arizona's superior depth and talent position them as the frontrunners in this matchup, making them a strong pick to emerge victorious.

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