The Norfolk State Spartans are set to face off against the Arizona Wildcats in Tucson, Arizona, with the game scheduled to tip-off at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+. Arizona enters the matchup heavily favored by 34.5 points, with the total points figure set at 145.5.
Predictions for the encounter lean towards an Arizona victory, particularly on the spread. Arizona has gained a reputation as one of the most formidable teams in the nation, showcasing an impressive freshman class that is already displaying remarkable skills and maturity. Among the standout players is Koa Peat, whose physicality draws comparisons to seasoned NBA players. Point guard Brayden Burries and wing player Ivan Kharchenkov have also exceeded expectations, contributing significantly to Arizona’s offensive prowess.
Despite Norfolk State’s usual competitive nature under head coach Robert Jones, the team faces a daunting challenge. Having lost most of their roster from last season, the Spartans have fought hard in every game, including a recent close contest against Wyoming. However, Arizona presents a different level of challenge as they will be the Spartans’ first matchup against a power-conference team and a top-100 opponent this season.
The game is expected to highlight Arizona’s size and physicality, which could lead to dominance in the paint and on the boards. The Wildcats are known for their aggressive style, which may see them gain a significant number of free-throw opportunities. Koa Peat is anticipated to excel in both scoring and rebounding, making it tough for the smaller Norfolk State squad.
On the offensive end, Norfolk State has struggled, ranking near the bottom nationally in field goal percentage at the rim. Against Arizona’s tough defense, rated among the best in the country, the Spartans will need to find creative ways to generate scoring opportunities. Their strategy may involve slowing down the pace to control the game tempo, but with the physical mismatch they face, maintaining such control could prove challenging.
While Jones has a history of leading his teams to competitive performances against stronger opponents—such as a narrow loss to Tennessee last season—this current Norfolk State squad lacks the same depth and skill required to contend with Arizona’s explosive offense.
As the game approaches, Arizona seems well-positioned to cover the spread, promising an exciting encounter for college basketball fans.