Arkansas vs Arizona odds, predictions and betting tips – the Razorbacks’ run expected to come to an end

After two dominant performances, Arizona has lived up to their billing, now just four wins away from securing the National Championship. The Wildcats are arguably the best team left in the field, ranking near the top of the board in most advanced metrics.

Heading into the Sweet Sixteen, expect the Wildcats to continue to thrive on offense as they face off against Arkansas who struggles in coverage.

With the Razorbacks incapable of protecting the middle, this will make it easier for the Wildcats to attack the paint and generate a high volume of shots near the rim.

Arkansas vs Arizona best bets

• Arizona to cover the -7.5 spread: -110 with BetMGM
• Arizona team total over 87.5: -113 with Caesars
• Darius Acuff Jr under 24.5 points: -106 with FanDuel

Since the start of the regular season, Arizona’s odds of winning the National Championship have skyrocketed as they continue to play at a high level on a nightly basis. Well rounded, disciplined, and dynamic, the Wildcats were able to quickly climb up the board in Net Rating.

In a favorable matchup against Arkansas, Arizona will be able to build on their momentum by taking advantage of a defense who ranks well below league average in Opposing Effective Field Goal Percentage and in Havoc. With the Razorbacks defense struggling to cut off their passing lanes, the Wildcats will be able to break away from their coverage and generate high quality shot attempts at multiple levels of the court.

Arkansas’s inability to haul in Rebounds will also allow Arizona’s bigs to extend their possessions by crashing the glass, resulting in a second chance scoring opportunity near the rim. By avoiding one and done possessions, the Wildcats chances of falling into a scoring lull diminishes, increasing their chances of clearing the over on their team total.

Arkansas vs Arizona preview

With the Wildcats offense in a position to thrive, Thursday’s Sweet Sixteen matchup may turn into a lopsided affair. Especially with Arizona’s defense capable of neutralising Darius Acuff Jr who is the Razorbacks leading scorer and the engine that drives their offense.

Arkansas vs Arizona betting tips

Find the latest odds for Arkansas vs Arizona courtesy of BetMGM. Odds are subject to change.

With Arkansas listed as a sizable underdog per their current spread, it may be a long night for the Razorbacks with Arizona boasting clear advantages on both sides of the court. With their defense struggling to bottle up their guards, the Wildcats will be able to consistently attack their rim and score at a consistent rate to help pull away on the scoreboard.

Arizona to cover -7.5

With Duke and Michigan dealing with injuries, Arizona can make a claim for being the best team in the nation, ranking in the top-5 in Adjusted Offensive Rating and in Adjusted Defensive Rating. Their high level of play helps reduce the amount of variance in their contests, increasing their chances of winning.

With the Razorbacks incapable of face guarding, as well as holding them into early outs, the Wildcats will be able to capitalise on their scoring opportunities and set a scoring pace too fast for them to keep up with. If you want to increase your exposure on Arizona, you can also use them in a two team moneyline parlay with Michigan who should have no issue with putting away Alabama.

Back Arizona to cover -7.5 at -110 with BetMGM Sportsbook

Arizona team total over 87.5 points

The Razorbacks pace of play will also result in a higher number of possessions on offense, forcing the Wildcats to play in a track meet with both teams residing in the top-75 in Adjusted Tempo. When in transition, Arkansas’s lack of interior defense will widen the width of Arizona’s lanes to the paint, improving the quality of their shots near the rim.

The Razorbacks lack of coverage around the perimeter will also free up more space for the Wildcats spot up shooters to exploit, fielding a lineup who ranks outside the top-150 in Opposing Three Point Completion Percentage. Barring a cold shooting night, expect Arizona’s offense to light up the scoreboard and clear the over on their team total in the process.

Back Arizona to score over 87.5 at -113 with Caesars Sportsbook

Darius Acuff Jr under 24.5 points

In an attempt to match Arizona’s output, Darius Acuff Jr will need to continue to play at a high level as he is the focal point of the Razorbacks offense. Acuff is arguably the most lethal scoring guard in the nation, averaging 23.3 Points per game while shooting 44.6% from three and 48.6% from the field.

Unfortunately for Acuff, negative regression looms large in their matchup against Arizona as he faces off against a defense who leads the league in Opposing Effective Field Goal Percentage. With their guards capable of keeping a defender on Acuff’s hips around the perimeter, they will be able to anchor their bigs in the paint which will help them keep a hand in his face at every level of the court.

Back Acuff to be held under 24.5 Points at -106 with FanDuel Sportsbook

Arkansas vs Arizona injury report

Below are the key injuries to watch for Arkansas and Arizona heading into the Sweet Sixteen.

Arkansas Razorbacks

• Out: N/A
• Questionable: Karter Knox (guard) – knee, Nick Pringle (forward) – (undisclosed)
• Doubtful: N/A

Arizona Wildcats

• Out: N/A
• Questionable: N/A
• Doubtful: N/A

Arkansas vs Arizona game info

• Date: Thursday, March 26th
• Time: 9:45pm EST
• Venue: SAP Center at San Jose – San Jose, California
• Where to watch: CBS

About the author

Kody Malstrom

Kody Malstrom is a professional sports bettor and sports betting journalist with six years of experience covering a vast majority of sports. He covers football, basketball, hockey, baseball, and the UFC in written and video form.

Born and raised in Michigan, Kody is a Detroit sports fan who spends all of his Sundays in the fall rooting for the Detroit Lions and Saturdays watching as much College Football as possible. In the winter, he shifts his focus to the Detroit Red Wings and Pistons while simultaneously rooting for his North Carolina Tar Heels.

When he is not staring at betting markets, you can find Kody at the beach or snowboarding down a mountain, depending on the time of the year.

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