Arizona Wildcats vs. Utah Utes 2/8/24 NCAAB Betting Picks

Arizona Wildcats vs. Utah Utes 2/8/24 – As the NCAA Men’s Basketball season continues its thrilling journey towards March Madness, the Arizona Wildcats (17-5) are set to clash with the Utah Utes (15-7) in a game that promises to be a pivotal showdown in the PAC-12 Conference. Scheduled for Thursday, February 8, 2024, at the Jon M. Huntsman Center, this matchup not only highlights the competitive spirit of college basketball but also offers a golden opportunity for bettors seeking winning NCAAB picks today. With both teams showcasing impressive records and battling for conference supremacy, this game is a must-watch for fans and bettors alike.

Team	SP/RL	TOTAL	ML
Wildcats	-5.5 -110	o160.5 -110	-225
Utes	+5.5 -110	u160.5 -110	+186

Mountain swing up next 🏔️ pic.twitter.com/FvUgQ2qP1R

— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) February 7, 2024

Caleb Love (Guard) vs. Branden Carlson (Center)

Arizona’s Caleb Love has put together an outstanding sophomore campaign, posting per-game averages of 18.9 points, 5 rebounds and 3.3 assists. The talented guard has shown the ability to score from all levels while also using his playmaking ability to set up teammates. However, Love has been turnover-prone at times. Defensively, he racks up 1.1 steals per contest.

Meanwhile, Utah centers their offense around junior big man Branden Carlson. He’s averaging 16.1 points, 6.4 boards and 1.5 blocks per outing. Carlson does most of his damage in the paint while providing rim protection on the other end. While he’s not much of a distributor, the Utah offense runs smoothly with him on the floor.

This matchup pits Arizona’s top scoring threat against Utah’s defensive anchor. If Love can limit his turnovers while still getting buckets, it could lead to a big night for the Wildcats. But Carlson protecting the rim could make life difficult on Love’s drives to the basket. Ultimately, this battle could determine which team comes out on top.

Wildcats’ Scoring Power

While known for offense, the Wildcats have held their own defensively as well. Arizona allows just 67.8 points per game while forcing teams into mistakes. They rack up 8.8 steals per contest, spearheaded by Courtney Ramey’s disruptiveness (1.5 steals per game). Additionally, Arizona has done well in keeping opponents off the offensive glass. If they can replicate that performance against a tough Utah frontcourt, it would go a long way toward a victory.

Utes’ Balanced Strategy

Utah’s defense starts with Branden Carlson anchoring the paint. The Utes block 4.5 shots per game as a team, making it difficult for opponents to finish at the rim. They also clean up the defensive glass well, limiting second-chance opportunities. However, Utah has been vulnerable to three-point barrages at times this season. If Arizona gets hot from deep, Utah’s defense could falter. But Carlson protecting the basket gives Utah a strong foundation.

NCAAB Betting Odds: TBD, Over/Under: TBD

Despite playing on the road, it seems that Arizona enters this matchup as a favorites and this matchup indicates the oddsmakers expect a close, high-scoring affair between these two skilled offenses.

Trends

Arizona Wildcats Betting Trends

Arizona are 4-1 in their last 5 games.
Wildcats are 2-3 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Arizona are 3-4 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 3 of Arizona’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 5 of Arizona’ 15 last games at home.

Utah Utes Betting Trends

Utah are 3-2 in their last 5 games.
Utes are 2-3 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Utah are 2-5 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 2 of Utah’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 6 of Utah’ 15 last games at home.