MBB preview: No. 8 Arizona vs. No. 4 UCLA

In only a couple hours, the No. 8 Arizona males’s basketball workforce will tackle the No. 4 UCLA Bruins in a major time matchup on ESPN at 8 p.m. 

That is the final common season matchup for each groups earlier than they head to Las Vegas in a pair days to compete with a number of different groups within the Pac-12 Match. 

All through the previous few matchups it has been one-sided with Arizona profitable every of the previous three video games. However the Wildcats have not crushed the Bruins in Pauley Pavilion since Jan. 21, 2017. Arizona received simply 4 of the final 10 video games between the 2 groups. 

The primary recreation between Arizona and UCLA this present season was Jan. 21 in McKale Heart. The Wildcats received the sport by 6 factors whereas holding the Bruins’ finest three guards Tyger Campbell, Jaime Jaquez and Jaylen Clark to about 29% (14-48) capturing from the sphere. Arizona shot the ball poorly on this contest too whereas being about 39% from the sphere and about 28% from 3-point vary. 

At the moment, UCLA was ranked No. 4 and Arizona was No. 11, much like tonight’s recreation the place Arizona is a couple of spots decrease. 

Since Arizona beat UCLA earlier within the season, the Bruins have received 9 of their final 10 video games and have received the common season Pac-12 Championship. Arizona has received eight out of their final 10 video games for the reason that two final performed. 

The Wildcats are coming off a six level victory in opposition to the College of Southern California Trojans on Thursday night time. Azuolas Tubelis had his finest efficiency in a month whereas scoring 25 factors together with 10 rebounds. Arizona additionally shot the ball 50% from deep on this recreation.

UCLA beat ASU on Thursday night time, March 2, by 18 factors, 79-61. This is similar ASU workforce that Arizona misplaced to by one level one week in the past in Tucson. UCLA’s huge three Jaquez, Campbell and Clark mixed for 59 factors and 21 rebounds on this recreation. 

Though the seeding for the Pac-12 Match is ready in stone with UCLA being the No. 1 seed and Arizona the No. 2 seed, there’s nonetheless loads on the road in tonight’s recreation.

This is likely one of the most storied rivalries in faculty sports activities and one that can impression the seeding for the NCAA March Insanity Match. 

On the final Saturday of the school basketball common season, that is the perfect matchup and must be an thrilling recreation. 

Location in particular person: Pauley Pavilion

On TV: ESPN

Time: 8 p.m. MST

Betting line: Arizona +5.5

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