Arizona vs. Houston Prediction: Can the Cougars Upset Arizona and Reach the Elite 8?

Arizona vs. Houston Prediction: Can the Cougars Upset Arizona and Reach the Elite 8?

We are coming off a huge start to the first two rounds of March Madness, but we still have a lot of work to do! We are officially down to sixteen teams, and these next two weeks are going to be wild. The game I am getting into first is going to be a battle between the five seed the Houston Cougars and the number one seed, the Arizona Wildcats.

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Arizona vs. Houston Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds

• Date: Thursday, March 24, 2022
• Game Time: 9:59 pm ET
• Where to Watch: TBS

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Arizona vs. Houston Line Movement

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These two teams have had great seasons, and both survived a scare to punch their ticket to this game. Arizona looked like their season was over when Benedict Mathurin hit a three to tie the game with under fifteen seconds. The Wildcats would go on to win in overtime and knock out the TCU Horned Frogs. Houston had an easier win in their second-round game over Illinois. Illinois made a couple of runs in the second half, but Houston’s dominant defense was able to fend them off.

The star for Arizona is Canadian-born guard Bennnidct Mathurin. Mathurin, who is a projected top ten pick, has been phenomenal this season. He is one of the toughest guards to match up with in the nation due to his ability to shoot and drive. The best player on the Houston roster comes in the form of guard Kyler Edwards. Edwards, who was a member of the Texas Tech team to make the national championship, has been the team's best scorer since their star guard Marcus Sasser went down with an injury. Houston is an unbelievably athletic team, and if you don’t believe me watch Tazi Moore play basketball. 

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I am going to back on the Arizona Wildcats on the short moneyline. I think we are getting a generous line here, considering Arizona is the best team in the nation behind Gonzaga. I did say at the beginning of the tournament Houston was the best five seed in recent memory, but they are going to have an extremely tough matchup. I think Arizona's style of play is going to be too much for Houston to keep up with on the offensive end.

Arizona is one of the best scoring teams in the nation, averaging 84.6 points, good for third in the nation. They are the second-highest team left in college basketball, only behind Gonzaga. Houston is averaging 75.8 points per game in comparison but is the more talented defensive team. Arizona also ranks towards the top of the league in possessions per game, averaging 75 per game. I believe they will be able to establish their pace and force Houston into a track meet, a style that they are not comfortable playing. I believe great offense beats great defense in this game due to the game script and that the Wildcats keep dancing into the elite eight! 

Arizona Wildcats vs. Houston Cougars Pick

• Arizona ML (-130) (Bet $130 to Win $100)