NCAAB: #8 Arizona vs Utah Odds, and Picks (Feb 8)

• Arizona got back on track last week, storming past California and Stanford at home.
• Utah got a much-needed win against Colorado, after going 3-5 in the 8 games prior.
• These two squads last matched up on January 6, in a game that Arizona won 92-73.

The college basketball season is in full swing! Let’s preview this upcoming Arizona vs Utah Pac-12 game. They currently sit as the two highest-ranking teams in the Pac-12. Both are expected to make the tourney.

How to Watch

• Pac-12 Network

Preview

Arizona picked up two easy wins last week, defeating Cal and Stanford at home. They head back on the road this week to take on two potential NCAA Tournament teams in Utah and Colorado. This will be a key test for a Wildcats team that has struggled quite a bit on the road. They are currently projected to receive a 2-seed, but have a chance to add two more Quadrant 1 wins this week to further improve their standing.

Utah has gone 4-5 over their last 9 games, putting them in a difficult position. They’ve slid from a 5-seed to an 8-seed in the latest tournament projections, putting them too close to the bubble for comfort. The Utes can immediately turn things around by picking up a signature win in this game against Arizona. 5th-year Senior C Branden Carlson has been a fixture in the paint for Utah all season, and will play a big role.

Prediction

We’ve seen all season how difficult road games are in college basketball. Arizona has been no exception, going 1-3 in their last four road matchups. That being said, Utah’s recent struggles open up a path for the Wildcats to win this game. I see this one coming down to the wire, with Utah narrowly holding on at home.

NCAAB Picks:

• Utah 71, Arizona 67 )