The Washington Huskies are 9-6, but they did a lot of their winning early in the season. They’ve lost their last three games by a combined total of 61 points to No. 22 Auburn, USC and No. 10 UCLA. They clearly aren’t up to the challenge presented by the top teams in the country and that’s exactly what No. 5 Arizona is.
The Wildcats are 13-1 with their only loss coming to Utah back on December 1, so they aren’t at the top of the Pac 12 standings just yet. On Saturday, they beat Arizona State 69-60, so they’ve had enough time to enjoy a win over their rival and won’t be primed for a let-down spot tonight.
Arizona will win, I feel confident saying that, but will they cover a big spread? That might be a different story. Let’s get into the odds.
Washington vs. Arizona Odds, Spread and Total
Washington vs. Arizona Prediction and Pick
The Huskies weren’t exactly a juggernaut before injuries, but now without PJ Fuller and Frank Kepnang on the floor they’re in even worse shape. Fuller is the best passer on Washington, a team that only averages 11 assists, so without him their offense cratered against UCLA. They only scored 49 points and Keion Brooks Jr. was completely shut down without somebody to create for him. Braxton Meah scored 20 points because the Bruins are weak inside, but that’s Arizona’s strength with Azoulas Tubelis and Oumar Ballo.
Tubelis is averaging 20.1 points a game and Ballo, 17.4. They’re leading the Wildcats to 3rd in the country in offensive efficiency. They’re 86th in defensive efficiency, which might cost them against better competition, but Washington’s offense won’t be able to do anything without Fuller creating offense. Arizona is built to blow teams like Washington out, they’re 8th in possessions per game and that pace allows them to score even if they have an off shooting night, but if they do shoot it well, then 18.5 isn’t nearly enough points.
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change