Arizona Wildcats vs Texas Tech Red Raiders Pick – 3/14/2025

The Arizona Wildcats and the Texas Tech Red Raiders are set to face off in the Big 12 Semifinals on March 14, 2025, at 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. This highly anticipated game features two of the conference's top teams vying for a spot in the championship game.

Arizona Wildcats vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Game Preview

The Arizona Wildcats enter the semifinals with a strong offensive presence, averaging 82.0 points per game, ranking them fourth in the Big 12. They also lead the conference in assists, averaging 16.8 per game, showcasing their ability to distribute the ball effectively. Defensively, Arizona allows 72.1 points per game, indicating a need for improvement on that end of the court.

Key players for Arizona include guard Caleb Love, who leads the team with 16.4 points per game, along with 4.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists. Forward Tobe Awaka contributes significantly on the boards, averaging 8.0 rebounds per game, providing the Wildcats with a strong presence in the paint.

On the other side, the Texas Tech Red Raiders have demonstrated a balanced approach, averaging 81.1 points per game while allowing only 66.8 points, making them one of the top defensive teams in the conference. Their field goal percentage stands at an impressive 50%, ranking them seventh nationally, and they excel from beyond the arc with a 39% three-point shooting percentage, placing them 18th in the nation.

Forward JT Toppin is a standout performer for Texas Tech, leading the team with 18.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. His recent performance against Baylor, where he recorded 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks, highlights his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Guard Elijah Hawkins also plays a crucial role, averaging 11.8 points and 6.2 assists per game, facilitating the Red Raiders' offense effectively.

Betting Insights

As of the latest available data, the betting odds for this matchup are as follows:

• Point Spread: Texas Tech favored by 2.5 points.
• Moneyline: Arizona +120, Texas Tech -144.
• Over/Under: 153.5 points.

These odds suggest a closely contested game, with Texas Tech holding a slight edge. Bettors should consider the following trends:

• Arizona has a 3-6 record against the spread (ATS) in their last nine games.
• The total has gone over in four of Arizona's last six games.
• Texas Tech has a 2-3 ATS record in their last five games as a favorite.
• Arizona is 7-3 ATS in their last ten road games.

Arizona Wildcats vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Prediction

Considering the statistical profiles and recent performances of both teams, this semifinal matchup promises to be highly competitive. Arizona's potent offense, led by Caleb Love, will challenge Texas Tech's stout defense. However, the Red Raiders' balanced scoring and defensive prowess, highlighted by JT Toppin's impactful play, provide them with a slight advantage.

Given Texas Tech's superior defensive metrics and efficient shooting, they are likely to control the tempo of the game. While Arizona's offense is formidable, the Red Raiders' ability to limit opponents' scoring opportunities and capitalize on their own efficient shooting may prove decisive.

Therefore, the prediction for this game is a victory for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, covering the 2.5-point spread. Bettors might also consider the over on the total points, given both teams' offensive capabilities and recent trends favoring higher-scoring games.