On March 7, 2026, the No. 2 ranked Arizona Wildcats, with a record of 28-2 and 15-2 in the Big 12, will face off against the Colorado Buffaloes (17-13, 7-10) at the CU Events Center in Boulder, Colorado. The match is set for an 11 p.m. ET tip-off, and which can be viewed on ESPN2. As the Wildcats aim for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament, they have enter the contest riding a wave of momentum with five consecutive victories, including key wins against ranked opponents.
Historically, Arizona has dominated this matchup, winning the last five meetings since the teams transitioned out of the Pac-12. Last season, they defeated Colorado decisively, 78-63, just covering the spread as 14.5-point favorites. Over the past ten encounters, Arizona has posted an impressive 8-2 record against the spread, underlining their dominance in the series. The total points have often skewed low, with the Under hitting in three of the last four games between these teams.
Arizona’s recent performances have showcased their offensive prowess, notably in a convincing 73-57 victory over No. 7 Iowa State, where they comfortably covered as 6.5-point favorites. Forward Tobe Awaka made significant contributions off the bench, scoring 10 points and snagging 15 rebounds. This followed another solid performance against No. 15 Kansas, where Arizona won 84-61, reinforcing their reputation as a formidable contender in the league.
On the flip side, Colorado is coming off an impressive offensive showing, having defeated Utah 92-78 as a slight road favorite. The Buffaloes’ recent success can be attributed to standout performances from players such as Isaiah Johnson and Bangot Dak, each scoring 22 points. Their offensive surge marked the highest output for Colorado since January, indicating a team that’s finding its rhythm as the season draws to a close.
As for the betting lines provided by BetMGM, Arizona stands as a strong favorite with a moneyline set at -1400, while Colorado is positioned at +775. The spread favors Arizona at -14.5, indicating confidence in their ability to not only win but win decisively. The over/under is established at 156.5 points, reflecting expectations for a high-scoring affair. Experts suggest taking a cautious approach with both the point spread and over/under due to the contrasting defensive capabilities of the teams.
For those looking to place bets, there’s a recommendation to consider Arizona to cover the spread, given their recent form. Meanwhile, a light wager on the over could be worthwhile, despite a tendency toward lower scoring in previous matchups.
As the Wildcats aim to secure their position as a top seed heading into the NCAA Tournament, a victory over Colorado would further solidify their status as one of the elite teams in college basketball this season. The matchup is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams bringing different strengths to the court.