Arizona vs Wright State: Betting Odds, Picks, and Predictions (3/18/22)

Arizona vs Wright State Betting Odds

Arizona clinched a No. 1 seed on the back of Tommy Lloyd. After two decades as an assistant underneath Mark Few, Lloyd turned the Wildcats into the Bulldogs. Arizona plays lightning quick and is super-efficient on the interior – both on offense and defense.

Meanwhile, Wright State picked up a Horizon League title behind a big offense led by a big three. The Raiders also rolled past Bryant in the play-in game.

But can Wright State keep up with Arizona?

Arizona Wildcats Odds

Arizona is obviously a legitimate national championship contender. But the question is how the Wildcats will adjust post-Kerr Kriisa.

Arizona responded strongly in the Pac-12 tournament, taking down Colorado by 10 and UCLA by eight. But that was just two games, so I’m curious if a lack of starting point guard can affect them late in March.

But Arizona’s offense attacks the rim. Arizona is sub-230 in 3-point rate and fifth in 2-point percentage.

The Wildcats are a motion offense, and they run offense through cutters at a top-25 frequency nationally while ranking second nationally in team assist rate. But in the end, Arizona is uber-efficient in every aspect of the offensive game.

The ‘Cats are also lengthy. Their 79.4” average height is second nationally, with 6-foot-11 Azuolas Tubelis and 7-foot-1 Christian Koloko creating a dangerous frontcourt. But for their size, those two run the floor as well as any frontcourt in the nation.

So, look for Arizona to move the ball, attack the rim, and attack in transition. Additionally, look for Arizona to allow few quality opportunities at the rim to opponents.

And look for Arizona to squeak out of this region.

Wright State Raiders Odds

When talking about the Raiders, you have to talk about the three-headed monster of Tanner Holden, Grant Basile, and Trey Calvin.

Those three combine for over 40 points per game, and they combined for a whopping 72 points in the play-in game.

Tanner Holden was electric, putting up 27 points on 11-for-15 from the field and 14-for-16 from the free-throw line.

But that’s what the Raiders have done all season. Wright State had the highest offensive efficiency in the Horizon League, trailing only Cleveland State in 2-point percentage (55%). Wright State put up over 75 points per game this season.

But the defense is questionable at best. Wright State finished fifth in the Horizon in defensive efficiency and sixth in effective field goal percentage allowed. The Raiders don’t pressure the ball and don’t contest shots well.

That doesn’t bode well against Arizona.

Arizona vs Wright State Prediction and Pick

This screams blowout.

Both these teams play at a high tempo, with Wright State being 85th nationally in tempo and Arizona being eighth in tempo.

We are going to get tons of possessions, and every ounce of efficiency is amplified in that type of game.

Arizona is obviously way more efficient on both ends of the floor. The Wildcats are also way lengthier and way more athletic. Holden will get his points, but this will be the Raiders’ toughest test to date.

Give me Arizona by 30 in this one.

March Madness Bracket