Arizona vs Oregon State Odds
| Arizona Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-15.5 -106 | 143.5 -112o / -108u | -1700 |
| Oregon State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+15.5 -114 | 143.5 -112o / -108u | +920 |
The Arizona Wildcats were being talked about as a final four team early in the year, then they suffered a bad loss to Utah on the road. Many believed this was just an anomaly for the Wildcats; but now with their second loss to a struggling Washington State squad on Saturday, many are beginning to question what this team's true potential is.
Their next test is one they can't afford to fail; Arizona begins a two-game road trip at Oregon State, one of the worst teams in the PAC-12. That doesn't mean they should be overlooked though. The Beavers are 7-1 at home and a much better team than they were a year ago, having surpassed their win total from a season ago by December 2nd this year.
Arizona has only played one true road game this season, which they lost to Utah by 15. A loss to Oregon State with Oregon on deck in Eugene would pose some major question marks heading into the weekend. Can the Wildcats bounce back and avoid embarrassment against the Beavers?
Find a college basketball betting guide for Arizona vs. Oregon State below.
Arizona Wildcats
Every team is going to have bad games, but it's been quite a shock when the Wildcats don't look like themselves. Saturday's loss to Wazzu was the first home loss in Tommy Lloyd's tenure and only the fourth time that the Wildcats have shot below 35%.
Saturday's loss also marked the fewest assists the Wildcats have ever recorded in a game under Lloyd with just nine. Absolutely nothing was going right for the Wildcats; they couldn't defend, pass or shoot. Do I think it will happen again? It very well could, but it's unlikely against this Beavers team.
The Wildcats rank in the 94th percentile in converting shots at the rim–something Oregon State has struggled to defend all season by allowing opposing teams to hit 70.7% of these shots.
On defense, Arizona has been great at limiting two-point shots but could struggle to defend 3s if the Beavers get hot. The Wildcats have allowed teams to hit 32.7% from beyond the arc. However, the Beavers rank outside the top 300 when it comes to 3-point attempts per game.
Oregon State Beavers
The Beavers' early success was due in large part to the offensive production of Jordan Pope. That production has taken a serious downturn as of late. Last time out, he came off the bench against Colorado and hit just 2-of-11 from the floor. While he has struggled individually, the Beavers as a whole haven't been getting the foul line at all.
In nonconference play, the beavers averaged 20.5 free throw attempts per game. However, through five conference games, Oregon State has averaged just 11.4 free throw attempts per game.
Oregon State will also need to step up on the boards as it has allowed teams to rack up 8.9 offensive rebounds and 22.3 defensive rebounds a game. The Wildcats have been elite on the glass with their size as they are averaging 9.1 offensive rebounds and 28.9 defensive rebounds per contest.
Turnovers have been a problem for both teams, but the Wildcats have been significantly better at forcing them. If they continue to do so against a Beavers team that already struggles on the offensive end, it could put this game out of reach early.
Arizona vs. Oregon State Betting Pick
We know Arizona has struggled away from home, but the Wildcats have only truly been tested once, and it feels like too small of a sample size to assume that's how they will consistently be. And while some could consider this a look-ahead spot with Oregon on deck, I think that's nullified due to the Arizona loss against Washington State.
The Wildcats know their loss to the Cougars is not only an ugly mark on their record this season; it's one of the worst losses under Tommy Lloyd ever. I expect Lloyd to have this team focused and prepared to bounce back in a big way.
Despite that, I think this spread is a little high. the Wildcats' biggest issue against the Cougs was how they fumbled through the first half, falling into a deficit they were unable to overcome. I expect a strong start to be a point of emphasis against the Beavers, which is why I'm backing the Wildcats only in the first half at -9 or better.
Arizona averages 41.6 points in the first half, which ranks second nationally in first-half scoring. The Beavers on the other hand rank outside the top 300, putting up just 28.9 points per game in the first 20 minutes.
Pick: Arizona 1H -8.5 (bet to -9) |
