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Game Preview – Northern Arizona @ Arizona
The Arizona Wildcats continue to shape their identity as a top-five program when they welcome the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks to McKale Center on Tuesday night in Tucson.
No. 5 Arizona (2-0) has rolled through its first two contests with balanced offense and strong rotation depth under coach Tommy Lloyd. The Wildcats opened with a 93-87 win over Florida and followed with a dominant 93-67 victory over Utah Tech.
Lloyd has leaned on an eight-man rotation that’s accounted for 97% of the team’s minutes through two games. His starting lineup features three freshmen—Koa Peat, Brayden Burries, and Ivan Kharchenkov—alongside senior point guard Jaden Bradley and junior center Motiejus Krivas. Seniors Tobe Awaka and Anthony Dell’Orso, plus freshman Dwayne Aristode, anchor the bench.
Peat has been electric early, averaging 24 points and five rebounds per game. Burries, a top-20 national recruit, rebounded from a quiet opener to post 18 points on 7-for-12 shooting versus Utah Tech. Meanwhile, Bradley’s leadership has steadied the offense with 17.5 points and 5.5 assists per contest.
“I’m figuring it out,” Lloyd said of his rotations. “I’m pretty comfortable with those eight guys, but I also want to develop the younger players and give them experience.”
Northern Arizona (1-1) is led by transfer forward Zack Davidson, who’s averaging 25 points and 8.5 rebounds per game after back-to-back standout performances. The Lumberjacks fell 77-71 to Drake before bouncing back with an 87-55 win over Justice University.
Coach Shane Burcar’s team is eyeing a Big Sky title run but faces a major step up in competition against one of the nation’s most athletic teams.
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Line Movement and Odds
Arizona opened as a heavy favorite at -34.5 with a total set at 164.5 points.
| Market | Current Line |
|---|---|
| Spread | Arizona -34.5 (-114) / Northern Arizona +34.5 (-109) |
| Total (O/U) | 164.5 Points |
| Moneyline | Arizona -10000 / Northern Arizona +5500 |
See updated odds and movement on the college basketball odds board.
Arizona Outlook
Arizona’s up-tempo offense has been among the most efficient in the nation through two games, averaging 93 points on 53.2% shooting from the field and 45% from three-point range. Peat’s ability to attack inside and stretch the floor has complemented Bradley’s control at the point.
Burries’ growth has given the Wildcats another scoring option on the perimeter, while Krivas and Awaka control the paint. Lloyd’s team also thrives defensively, limiting opponents to 37% shooting while forcing double-digit turnovers per game.
At McKale Center, Arizona has been nearly untouchable — winning 15 straight home games. Their rebounding advantage (+13 per game) and bench efficiency give them multiple ways to dominate inferior opponents.
Arizona Injury Report
No major injuries reported.
Northern Arizona Outlook
Northern Arizona’s offense runs through Davidson, who has been efficient from all levels, shooting 56% from the floor and 46% from deep. Guards Ryan Abelman and Arne Osojnik (both 12.5 PPG) provide perimeter spacing and scoring depth.
The Lumberjacks average 79 points per game and shoot 35.9% from three, ranking near the top half of the nation. Their aggressive pace — 70 field goal attempts per game — shows confidence, but defensive lapses and rebounding gaps have been costly.
Facing Arizona’s length and speed, Northern Arizona must value possessions, limit turnovers, and rely on the three-point shot to avoid being overwhelmed early.
Northern Arizona Injury Report
No major injuries reported.
Key Matchup / Path to Victory
Arizona’s dominance inside the arc versus Northern Arizona’s perimeter shooting defines this matchup. The Wildcats’ size advantage in Peat and Krivas gives them control of the boards and rim scoring. For the Lumberjacks, Davidson must match Arizona’s tempo while Abelman and Osojnik stretch the defense.
If Northern Arizona can knock down early threes and slow Arizona’s transition game, they could cover the massive spread. Otherwise, the Wildcats’ speed, depth, and inside play should dictate the tempo from start to finish.
For lineup stats and matchup metrics, explore the NCAAB expert betting guide.
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Betting Trends
- Arizona is 2-0 ATS this season.
- The Wildcats are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 home games.
- Northern Arizona is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games against ranked opponents.
- The over is 6-2 in Arizona’s last eight home contests.
- Northern Arizona has gone under in three of its last five games.
See all public betting splits and data at college basketball picks.
Prediction
Arizona’s athleticism, offensive pace, and home-court dominance make them nearly unbeatable in this matchup. Northern Arizona’s effort on the glass will help them avoid a total blowout, but the Wildcats’ firepower should carry them to a comfortable win.
Projected Score: Arizona 92, Northern Arizona 65
Best Bet: Northern Arizona +34.5
Total Lean: Under 164.5
Get more insights and predictions in the college basketball expert betting guide.
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