Colorado vs. Arizona Prediction and Odds: Can the Buffaloes Slow Down Wildcats' Top-Ranked Offense?

The No. 6 Arizona Wildcats have been struggling to get on the court recently thanks to several COVID-related postponements. Thankfully, they are back in action tonight for the second time in three weeks against the Colorado Buffaloes at home. Colorado enters this game on a five-game win streak after beating Washington 78-64 on Sunday and is now 11-3 overall and 3-1 in the Pac-12.  

The Buffaloes are going to have their hands full with the Wildcats who remain unbeaten in conference play. Their lone loss of the season was against the Tennessee Volunteers back before Christmas. They have played only once since then but put together a strong 95-79 win over Washington. 

Here are the odds for this Pac-12 matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Colorado vs. Arizona Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

• Colorado +15 (-110)
• Arizona -15 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Colorado +850
• Arizona -1375

Total: 152.5 (Over -115/Under -105)

Colorado vs. Arizona Prediction and Pick

Arizona does not like to waste time when it comes to putting the ball in the hoop and ranks fourth in adjusted tempo. This will be an interesting matchup because Colorado has the opposite philosophy and prefers a slower more methodical approach. This is why the Buffaloes rank 256th in adjusted tempo. 

The patient Colorado offense is led by Jabari Walker who is averaging 13.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game as a sophomore. He has legit NBA talent and can take over a game on any given night. The Buffaloes also have the reigning Pac-12 Freshman of the Week in Julian Hammond. 

One area that will help Colorado a lot is their ability to draw fouls and slow down the game by stopping the clock. Colorado’s opponents are averaging more than 20 personal fouls per game. That works out to be about one foul every four possessions. I think that while the Buffaloes defense will have issues stopping the Wildcats, they can throw off their tempo and rhythm. 

They will have to because Arizona is the highest-scoring program in the nation right now with an 89.9 point per game average. In fact, Arizona leads the nation in PPG, score margin, assists per game, rebounds per game, and assists per field goal made. So, saying they are the best offense in the country is not a hyperbole. 

Colorado can only try and slow this game down for so long. Eventually, the pace of play will be pushed out of the Buffaloes' comfort zone and they will find it difficult to keep up. Impossible perhaps. 

Pick: Arizona Wildcats -15 (-110)