The No. 11 Arizona Wildcats (2-1) and the Auburn Tigers (2-0) meet Friday at Neville Arena in Auburn, Alabama. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NCAA basketball odds around the Arizona vs. Auburn odds and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions for the best bets.
Arizona has bounced back nicely from its season-opening loss to the No. 15 UCLA Bruins, winning 2 straight. The Wildcats cruised past the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 90-59 Tuesday, but failed to cover as 35.5-point home favorites as the Under (156.5) cashed. F Ivan Kharchenkov led the way with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists, while G Caleb Holt added 17 points. Arizona shot an impressive 62% from the field.
Auburn improved to
2-0 Monday with a 75-53 victory over the Appalachian State Mountaineers, pulling away in the second half. The Tigers failed to cover as 23.5-point home favorites while the Under (143.5) cashed. G Tahaad Pettiford led the way with 26 points, shooting 8 of 16 from the field and knocking down 3 3-pointers. Auburn's defense also delivered, holding App State to just 32% shooting and 7 of 28 from beyond the arc.
Arizona and Auburn have split their 4 all-time meetings, but the Wildcats dominated their matchup last season. Arizona rolled to a 97-68 victory, covering as 10.5-point home favorites as the Over (161.5) also cashed.
– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
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Arizona at Auburn odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:01 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Arizona -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Auburn +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
- Against the spread (ATS): Arizona -2.5 (-115) | Auburn +2.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 159.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
Arizona at Auburn picks and predictions
Prediction
Auburn 75, Arizona 72
Moneyline
BET AUBURN (+125).
Auburn has won 69 straight non-conference home games at Neville Arena, including 53 consecutive night games. That's a tough spot for an Arizona team playing its first true road game of the season. Pettiford has been outstanding, averaging 22 points and 7 assists per game without committing a turnover. Auburn's defense has also been impressive, allowing just 56 points per game while averaging 8.5 blocks and 9 steals.
Arizona has plenty of talent, but its revamped roster is still finding its footing. The Wildcats are also missing F RJ Godfrey, which could hurt them on the glass against C Narcisse Ngoy.
Auburn hasn't forgotten last season's 97-68 loss to Arizona, either. With the home crowd behind them, I like the Tigers' chances Friday night.
Against the spread
PASS.
No need to play with the spread since I've got the Tigers winning outright, but if you need a little insurance Auburn +2.5 (-105) is fine to play.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 159.5 (-115).
Auburn has been tough defensively, allowing opponents to 30.9% shooting. The Tigers also average 8.5 blocks, so Arizona won't have an easy time scoring inside. The Wildcats are shooting just 27.5% from deep and face their first true road test. With Auburn also struggling at the free-throw line (only 66%), points could be harder to come by Friday night.
Betting odds calculator
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Arizona Wildcats at Auburn Tigers odds, picks and predictions
