The Utah Runnin’ Utes (10-5, 1-2 Pac-12) head to Arizona to take on the Wildcats (11-5, 1-2 Pac-12) in a matchup that pits outstanding offense against tremendous defense. The game will air on Pac-12 Network at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 16, 2020.
Utah Runnin’ Utes vs. Arizona Wildcats ATS Prediction
The last time the Runnin’ Utes played, they were blown out by the No. 25 Colorado Buffaloes, 91-52. Colorado’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over Utah. The Buffaloes had a rate of 50.0 (above their season average of 31.9), while the Runnin’ Utes posted a mark of 26.3. Utah’s Timmy Allen had a good performance, putting up seven points and five rebounds.
The Wildcats fell to the Oregon State Beavers in their last matchup, 82-65. Oregon State’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Arizona. The Beavers had a rate of 0.620 (above their season average of 0.538), while the Wildcats posted a mark of 0.443 (below their season average of 0.549). Zeke Nnaji had a solid game for Arizona, leading both teams in scoring with 21 points on 8-for-14 shooting.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent contest, the Runnin’ Utes won 83-76. One of Utah’s largest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They made 28 trips to the line, while Arizona went 18 times.
This contest figures to be a shootout as a pair of the nation’s premier offenses square off. Arizona ranks seventh with 114.1 points per 100 possessions and Utah is 34th (110.4). Moreover, the Runnin’ Utes, who rank 13th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.293), will battle against the Wildcats, who rank 294th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.265).
Utah Runnin’ Utes vs. Arizona Wildcats Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Utah, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Arizona averages 16.6 assists per game, which ranks 18th in the nation. Utah ranks 155th in assists allowed per game (13.3).
The Wildcats rank 122nd in steals per game (6.7) while the Runnin’ Utes rank 227th (4.5).
Arizona ranks 66th in blocks per game (4.0) while Utah ranks 117th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
The Runnin’ Utes rank 76th in rebounds per game (38.1) while the Wildcats rank 99th in rebounds allowed per game (33.9).
The Runnin’ Utes have been outscored by an average of 11.4 points in their last five games. On the season, Utah has defeated opponents by an average of 5.8 points.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 72.0 points per game (9.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.4 points per game (5.7 above their season average).
