Arizona Vs BYU 🏀 Game Preview/Discussion Thread 2/22/25 8PM ESPN

[WILD]

Arizona Vs BYU 🏀 Game Preview/Discussion Thread 2/22/25 8PM ESPN

The BYU Cougars and Arizona Wildcats meet on Saturday in college basketball action at McKale Center.

The BYU Cougars (18-8, 14-11-1 ATS) won seven of the previous nine games, including the last three over West Virginia, Kansas State, and Kansas. The most recent W against the Jayhawks was quite impressive as the Cougars scored 91 and allowed just 57 points to the top 25-ranked Kansas. In a remarkable performance, BYU surged ahead by as much as 38 points, securing a 34-point victory that matched the most significant scoring margin loss experienced by Kansas coach Bill Self in his 22 seasons of coaching. BYU is currently 5th in the Big 12 standings.

BYU is averaging 80.2 PPG (45th) and is allowing 68.7 PPG (76th). The Cougars are getting 37.4 RPG (96th) and are having 17.1 APG (22nd). Richie Saunders is the team's top scorer with 15.2 PPG, along with 4.4 RPG, and a team-high 1.2 SPG. Egor Demin adds 10.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG, a team-high 5.5 APG, and 1.2 SPG, while Trevin Knell contributes 9.4 PPG, 2.6 RPG, and 1.0 SPG.

The Arizona Wildcats (18-8, 15-11 ATS) concluded 2024 (mid-December) and started the new year (early February) with an impressive 13-1 record. The lone loss in that positive span came to Texas Tech on the road, and although they got revenge with an 82-73 home victory earlier this month, the Wildcats suffered straight defeats to Kansas State and Houston. Arizona managed to bounce back with a 74-67 road W over Baylor, and now sits in second place in the Big 12, two games behind Houston.

Arizona averages 81.0 PPG (37th) and allows 69.4 PPG (106th). The Wildcats are 13th in rebounds (40.7) and 28th in assists (17.0). Caleb Love leads the team with 15.8 PPG and also averages 4.4 RPG, 3.3 APG, and 1.3 SPG. Jaden Bradley follows him with 11.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG, a team-high 3.8 APG, and a team-high 2.0 SPG, while KJ Lewis chips in with 10.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 3.1 APG, and 1.4 SPG.

Why Arizona should beat BYU
Arizona has won each of its last 39 night games at McKale Memorial Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
BYU has lost five of its last six games against AP-ranked opponents.
Arizona has won the first half in each of its last 11 games at McKale Memorial Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts
Each of BYU's last seven road night games against Conference opponents has produced a total of 150 or fewer points.
Each of Arizona's last five night games against non-AP-ranked opponents at McKale Memorial Center have produced a total of 157+ points.

Matchup/League Facts
Arizona ranks 10th among Division 1 teams for rebounds per game this season (40.7).
Arizona ranks 13th among Division 1 teams for rebound percentage this season (55.5%).
BYU ranks 10th among Division 1 teams for three-point field goals made per game this season (10.5).
BYU ranks 12th among Division 1 teams for effective field goal percentage this season (57.0%)

ARIZONA is favored at 7.5 points and the Over/Under is 155 points

Let's talk about the Wildcats Vs Cougars

BEARDOWN!!!

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[WILD]

https://x.com/ArizonaMBB/status/1892963736886857778?t=1e8wXdRutcdEaBnYYQs6ag&s=19

[Cactus🌵Cat]

BYU @ Arizona game getting some love.

https://x.com/HeatCheckCBB/status/1893328044942582140?t=rLazOCnWwLYFEWtZ6Dqy5g&s=19

[WILD]

https://x.com/Zona_Briggs/status/1893443289170231425?t=TJ-rd9Ebw_xzH0vlc0-b-w&s=19

[Cactus🌵Cat]

Who's happy with the big12 refs?

[KansasCityCats]

I understand that this is a 40 minute game but FUCK Tony Padilla. He was the worst official in the Pac-12 and they should have NEVER allowed his blind ass to maintain a job after the conference dissolved.

[Cactus🌵Cat]

Love played great. 27 points on efficient shooting

[arxpert]

I understand that this is a 40 minute game but FUCK Tony Padilla. He was the worst official in the Pac-12 and they should have NEVER allowed his blind ass to maintain a job after the conference dissolved.

I'm not buying what you're selling. Tony Padilla has reffed us to many wins. We had all game to stop "3 Ball Corner Pocket", but there were no adjustments. None. Just the sheer Will Power of the players making a ton of shots figuring it out for themselves. One of the best games of the year especially paired with Houston. 2 losses that gut us fans, but the quality of game was A+ in 2 completely different styles. That means we can play with Anyone in Any Format, but again for the millionth time - Tommy will never make anyone play OUR game. We are always stuck playing our Opponent's style. That will Always be the difference with Tommy.

[KansasCityCats]

Last night, our opponent's style was also our style. We naturally play an uptempo offense that attempts to rush shots from our opponents.

Regardless of whether you think Padilla won games for Arizona in the past, he clearly gave one away on a phantom call, which was blatantly advertised by the commentators last night. It was a lazy whistle.

[Cactus🌵Cat]

The last time AZ had 3 or more losses @ McKale was the 2020/21 season and the head coach was fired.