The Utah Runnin’ Utes (16-12) travel to face off against the Arizona Wildcats (18-9) on Wednesday, February 26th. This game will be played at McKale Center in Tucson and televised on ESPN+. Both Utah and Arizona will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous games. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 ET.

Utah Runnin’ Utes vs Arizona Wildcats

The Runnin’ Utes Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Utah Runnin’ Utes Recent Game/Games

Utah’s season record fell to 16-12 after a 76-72 road loss to UCF on Sunday. Entering the game as +3.5 point underdogs, the Utes not only lost but also failed to cover the spread.

Utah trailed 30-29 at halftime and scored 43 points in the 2nd half, but allowed 46 points to UCF. The game’s total points of 148 fell short of the 160.5 O/U line.

The Wildcats Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Arizona Wildcats Recent Game/Games

Arizona fell to 18-9 on the season after a 96-95 home loss to BYU on Saturday, February 22nd. The Wildcats were -7 favorites going into the game but failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points reached 191, surpassing the over/under line of 153.5.

Arizona trailed 47-44 at halftime but put up 51 points in the 2nd half while allowing 49. Despite the offensive output, they couldn’t secure the win.

Runnin’ Utes Offense Breakdown

Utah’s offense put up 72 points in their last game, shooting 50.9% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 58.2%. They connected on 64.5% of their two-point attempts, while hitting 33.3% from beyond the arc, going 8-for-24 from three-point range. At the free-throw line, the Utes shot 80%, making 8 of 10 attempts.

Gabe Madsen led the way with 23 points, shooting 66.7% overall and 55.6% from three, hitting 5 of 9 attempts. Moustapha Thiam was efficient inside, shooting 80% from the field and adding 18 points and 9 rebounds. Ezra Ausar contributed 20 points, making 7 of 10 shots, while Mike Sharavjamts added 15 points and 6 assists.

Wildcats Offense Breakdown

Arizona’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 95 points while shooting 54.2% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 62.7%, thanks in part to hitting 45.5% from beyond the arc (10/22) and 59.5% on two-point attempts (22/37). The Wildcats also connected on 84% of their free throws, going 21/25 from the line.

Caleb Love led the way with 27 points and 5 assists, while Richie Saunders added 23 points, shooting 80% from the field and 75% from three. Tobe Awaka was perfect from the floor, going 5/5 with 10 rebounds, and Egor Demin contributed 8 assists to go along with his 13 points. Arizona finished with 23 assists as a team and grabbed 15 offensive rebounds.

Runnin’ Utes Team Defense

Utah’s defense gave up 76 points in their last game, with their opponents shooting 44% from the field, hitting 29 of 65 shots. Inside the arc, Utah allowed 23 two-point baskets on 41 attempts, a 56% shooting rate.

From three-point range, Utah’s defense held their opponents to 6 made threes on 24 attempts, a 25% success rate. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 16 times, where they made 12 shots, shooting 75%. Utah allowed 12 offensive rebounds.

Wildcats Team Defense

Utah’s defense gave up 76 points in their last game, with the opposing team shooting 44% from the field. The Runnin’ Utes allowed 23 two-point field goals on 41 attempts, a 56% success rate for their opponent.

From beyond the arc, Utah’s defense held their opponent to 6 made threes on 24 attempts, a 25% shooting performance. The opposing team also went 12/16 from the free-throw line, hitting 75% of their foul shots. Utah gave up 12 offensive rebounds in the game.

Runnin’ Utes vs Wildcats Trends

• Through their last five road contests, the Runnin’ Utes offense has averaged 63 points per game while allowing an average of 76. Utah posted an overall record of 0-5 while going 0-5 ATS.
• Through their last ten home games, Arizona has an ATS record of just 6-4. However, their overall record was 6-4 while averaging 75 points per game.
• Going back to their last three games as the underdog, the Runnin’ Utes have a straight up record of 1-2. But, their mark vs the spread was just 1-2.
• As the betting favorite, the Wildcats have an ATS record of 3-2 in their last five games. In these matchups their, straight up record was 3-2.

Runnin’ Utes vs Wildcats Prediction

For a point-spread bet in this Wildcats vs. Wildcats matchup, we’re leaning towards the Wildcats at -14.5. Although our projections show the Wildcats winning 76-71, we suggest placing your bet on the Runnin’ Utes for the point-spread.

Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 152.5 and given that our model is projecting 147 points between the teams, we like the under.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.